Monday, May 16, 2011

To My Dad:

There are so many reasons that I call you my Dad. You have been there for me through the hardest times and the happiest times of my life. You came into my life when I was 4 years old and I doubt either of us knew what an amazing journey our family would have together; it’s been a roller coaster, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Growing up I remember you getting up with me in the mornings: curling my bob hair-cut, getting me breakfast, and listening to me talk about anything and everything the entire time. I remember you running up the hard-metal-winding stairs in the middle of the night as I called out your name because I was in a panic that burglars were in our house playing drums on our sink, which of course was just the hail hitting our railing outside. I love that I have the memory of you tucking me in every night before bed, and bringing me a glass of water. I even remember the first time I got spanked by you after I told Mom to “shut-up.” During elementary, jr. high, and high-school you supported me in every activity I wanted to pursue: you were by me when I succeeded and when I didn’t, and were always there to encourage me. I remember you helping me move to Blanding as I started my journey through nursing school, and how sad I was to see you guys leave; you are the best parents.

Times haven’t always been so light-hearted; you have been there through all the drop-offs and pick-ups from air-ports and homes after being with Greg. You have always been available to lend a listening and comforting ear after the visits were over. You worried about us when we were gone, and made us feel safe when we were home. You showed me the type of man I would want to marry; someone who always puts his family first. You married Mom, and took on the role of being my Dad. I didn’t know you would become my Dad then, but that’s what you became to me. Without you, the Dad I would’ve known would have been the one who only wanted to see me at his convenience, and never put my needs first. I am so grateful that you came into our lives, and showed us that even though all families go through hard-times, at the end of the day family will always be there.

As I have gotten older, and gotten married, you are still there to give advice and to listen when I need someone to talk to. Having you and Mom there while I got my endowments out and got married in the temple were two of the best days of my life. It meant everything to me that you were there. You are the BEST father-in-law in the history of father-in-laws, and the best Dad.

You have strengthened our family so much. I appreciate you always putting us first, even if it meant for you to go without. I am so lucky that my children with get to have a grandpa like you. You’re outgoing, smart, honest, hard-working, funny, genuine, and down-to earth. I am so grateful that you’ve been an example in my life; I know I am where I am today because of you.

You have been my Dad since I was 4 years old, and now that I am getting to the point in my life where I will be starting a family soon, I have realized that just like I want my future children to be sealed to their Mom and Dad, I want that too. In my eyes and everyone else’s, I want you to be my Dad. Thank you for wanting to be my Dad for eternity too, I love you.

Love always-your daughter,
Dashelle

...today was a very special day for my family and I; I got adopted my now DAD Jon. He's always been my Dad, but I am so excited to have this done, now we will be able to be sealed together.
That's my big news..not big for really anyone but my family and I, but thats okay :)