Happy Birthday Daddy!

Well, I'm the worst daughter ever! My dad's birthday was a couple weeks ago and while I DID remember to send him a birthday greeting, I didn't pay tribute to him on my blog. The guilt is killing me!

My dad is the most AMAZING man I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Seriously, he is!

My dad inherited ME, a 7 year old, when he married my mom. Never once have I EVER felt like he wasn't my dad in every way. He never referred to me as his step daughter that I am aware of. He just accepted me as his daughter-ALWAYS! I called him Daddy from day one. He allowed me to become a part of his family and to take on his family name and let me be sealed to him and my mom in the temple. He gave me the opportunity to be the "big sister" to the 3 most amazing "little" brothers *(that all tower over me by a foot or more). He taught me how to drive because he knew my mother would have killed me in the process. He took me to all my Daddy-daughter dates. We spent lots of nights at Disney movies together before my brothers were old enough. Always the "real animal" type- The original HOmeward Bound, Lassie, Where the Red Fern Grows- well you get the picture. I have the BEST memories!

He has endured many years of surprised comments when people find out that he has 19 grandchildren! The man is timeless- he NEVER seems to age!

I know that I can ALWAYS turn to him when I have a problem, no matter what it is. He is a spiritual giant and takes the time to share things that he feels are important with his family subtly. I remember a letter he sent recently when President Monson was called-testifying to us, his children, that he KNEW this man and his counselors were called of God. It was a very tender letter. He has given me blessing after blessing and I am so grateful for all that he has taught me and done for me over the years. I Love you Dad! Happy Belated Birthday! I still owe you dessert or something! BIG HUGS!!!!!!