to my dad, on father's day

Every so often a big C-130 flies over our house here. It makes me think of my Dad. I always watch it and point it out to the kids and say, "That is what Gramps used to fly." Then I try to imagine him in his younger days dressed in his flight suit and dropping tanks out of the sky.

A few weeks ago was a repeat of the Hope of America program that Ana did last year. Once again, the band played the songs from each branch of the military and I imagined my Dad standing up at the line, "Off we go, into the wild blue yonder."

I have always been proud of my Dad. He is smart. He is faithful and faith-full. He is funny. I remember him being "tickle monster" when we were little and hiding our bowls of cereal when we weren't looking as we got older. He has also managed to convince each of his 8 daughters that they are his favorite. (Though I really AM his favorite.)

I remember driving in the car with my Dad once and asking him what is favorite scripture was and he said 2 Kings 6:16. I had never heard that story before and it has been a favorite of mine ever since. I have always loved talking about the scriptures with him.

He loves me. He has blessed and taught me. He even sometimes rescues me. And I feel so lucky to have such an amazing Dad.

Happy Father's Day!