Happy Father's Day!

In honor of Father's Day, here is a post just for my dad.

My first memory of my Dad:

We were living out in the country. I was a very small girl. Mom and I were walking through the house and I was holding her hand. She stopped and said, "Say hi to Daddy." Dad was sitting at his desk reading his Bible, probably preparing for to teach a Bible class. "Hi Daddy" I waved. He said hi to us and returned to his studies.

My most recent memory of my Dad:

Dad took me to the airport at the end of my last trip home. He obtained a vistor's pass so that he could take me to the gate. He held Elijah while I took care of the girls. Elijah spit up all over Dad's clothes. Yuck, especially since he was on his way to work!

Time I was madest at my Dad:

When I was in the second grade I got off the school bus and found Dad cutting down my favorite tree from the front yard. I was really upset. It was a mimosa tree. I loved that tree. In fact, I still love the smell of mimosa trees in full bloom. *sigh*

Funny memory of my Dad:

I was older (either a teen or in college) and Dad was sick with the flu or maybe allergies. The family was home together talking. Dad stopped us and said, "Let's all think of things we can do to make me feel better!"

Good memory of my Dad:

When I was little (5 0r 6) Dad would take us on adventure walks around Mary's Creek. It was scary uncharted territory. Very adventurous!

Great memory of my Dad:

I remember the first time Dad met Jesse. Jesse and I were friends but we were not dating. Jesse was helping me move out of the dorm. Dad and Jesse worked together loading up the van with all my stuff. When we were pulling out of Searcy, Dad said, "Now what was that kid's name?" "Jesse. His name is Jesse." Dad said, "Now, I like Jesse. Jesse is a fine young man." "Good," I answered, "because I'm going to date him." Dad answered back, "I think you should. Jesse, yes I like Jesse a lot." He really went on and on and Dad isn't one to speak his mind openly. I was pleased. Jesse and I were engaged just a few months later.

My proudest memory of my Dad:

Dad spoke at his father's funeral 17 months ago. My dad always been an excellent example of what it means to honor your father and mother. Listening to his talk at Grandad's funeral was the finest display of honor to a parent that I have ever witnessed.

Best family tradition (courtesy of my Dad):

CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!