Thursday, June 3, 2010

My Dad

I wanted to share a little about my wonderful dad. First, some awesome pictures.

My mom and dad in 1965. Aren't they hot stuff?! My mom has had some seriously wicked hairstyles in her lifetime, but that is another post entirely.

Holding my older brother Jeff. Good looking much?

In a kiss sandwich with me and Suz

Being silly with Sam. He has to be the funnest grandpa out there.

My dad has showed Jake support many, many times by coming to school concerts, church talks, and by helping him build the winning Rain Gutter Regatta boat and an unbelievably sleek Pinewood Derby car for Scouts. (Where are those pictures?) I can't honestly be more grateful for how he has been there for him.

Always doing fun things with the family. He LOVES those grandkids.

It is such a privilege to have my dad as my father. He has a beautiful testimony of our Savior and shares it. He is brilliant. He has such a generous heart and he has blessed so many in so many ways. He loves his family and is committed to his family. He always wanted to give his family the very best and has. He has taught me about integrity and that living a righteous life is what brings the greatest joy possible. He has loved my son like he was his father and was a constant companion for him for so many years. He bonded with him in a way that even his own father didn't. He gave him so many hours of his time, of his life. He taught him about science, math, life, being a strong person, and being there for those you love.

I am so thankful for a dad who blessed me with so many amazing opportunities in my life that have broadened me so much, and that he saw the importance of family vacations. We have made some amazing memories that way. A dad like this is priceless and precious beyond words. A dad like this is loved beyond words to describe. Thank you Dad, for everything.

It is hard to post about this, but if you would say a prayer for my dad, I would really appreciate it. He starts two medications tomorrow for the multiple myeloma he was diagnosed with this fall. One of the drugs he will be taking is a chemo drug, and one is a very high dose steroid. We are very worried about how the side effects will affect him. I am grateful for the advancements in medicine that will hopefully help him fight this thing hard and have many good years left.

7 comments:

Jana said...

You are so lucky to have such amazing parents!! :) I will definately be keeping him & the rest of you in my thoughts and prayers!!

JoAnna said...

Thank you very much for the morning cry...
Well said. Can I link to this on my blog?
I'm so nervous and anxious today.
I wish I was closer...

Susan Anderson said...

I will keep your dad in my prayers. He sounds like a wonderful man, father, and grandfather.

Kathi said...

And he can accomplish more in a day than any other human. I couldn't even begin to list all the work he did today on the 'last day of the rest of his life', as he calls it. He's kidding.
Lucky he's going to be around for a long time because we NEED him!

Braden Bell said...

Natalie, I'm so glad you posted this. Your dad is a wonderful, wonderful man. I have so many fond memories of my cool uncle Tom! I will definitely keep him in my prayers. If you have a family fast or something, please let me know.

Sara said...

Sweet post Natalie.
Your Dad is one of the most amazing men I know.
We sure love you guys! Our prayers are with you.
I love your mom's comment and can totally picture your Dad saying that!!

Kristen said...

Natalie-- I miss you. Our thoughts and prayers will be with your dad.