Sort of in the vein of "if you give a mouse a cookie," when I start thinking about the great dads I know, it can start off a chain of musings, especially if I am scrolling through photos at the same time. Of course there's the dad of our children - a wonderful father and grandfather too.
And my own dad was a great dad and grandad and great-granddad!! As the years go by, more and more memories re-surface and I am grateful for the years we had with him.
Our son Harry is a wonderful father - and showed such courage and compassion as he and Dawn helped Jonah navigate his brief sojourn here on earth.
Our beloved "Pop," the "other" Grandpa Terrill, was here only a relatively short time in the grand scheme of things - and all the kids and grandkids did not get the opportunity to know him as well - but his influence is always with us. And that is a blessing.
It has been so great to watch our wonderful sons-in-law become fathers - as we often say, we couldn't have done a better job if we'd picked them ourselves. Matt is so patient and calm - a good role model for all dads.
When they talk about "hands on" dads, they must be thinking of David -nothing gets past his eagle eye - and he's a good sport about it all.
The stories about my Grandpa Clayton are legion - and he certainly had flaws - but they were never apparent as he interacted with us. He called me "his little Relief Society President" and instilled in me the belief that I could achieve whatever I wanted to achieve. (Not that I wanted to be a R.S. President - he just told me I was good at "taking charge" and so to be sure I was ready for whatever came my way!)
My Grandpa Stevens was somewhat "crusty" as they say, but I only remember his kindness and gentleness with me. Anyone who will spend Christmas afternoon teaching a little girl to roller skate is wonderful in my book!
Bruce is a great dad - and a great "father" to his ward family - we could all learn much from his example. We appreciate his "pioneer" spirit in our family - I often say he set a gold standard for us all to follow!!
Since we're mentioning all the other men in the family, don't want to leave out Robbie or Noah - potential dads who bring a spirit of love to our family. Robbie is a natural with kids - maybe it's because he has that wonderful "forever kid" gene somewhere in his genetic makeup!!
We love Noah - and love that he cares about all the "kids" in the family!
Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads everywhere - but especially to all the great dads we call family!
