My Dad is a Hero. Not many kids get to say that about their dads and mean it in a general, as well as personal, sense. My dad has saved lives, defended our country, protected our freedoms, and sacrificed much. I didn't really understand when I was a child, and I can't say I fully understand now, but I am so, so proud of my daddy.
I thought a lot about it this Independence Day. We are in a time of great turmoil in our nation, in many ways. As I sang the National Anthem and listened to patriotic songs, I realized that I have an abnormal amount of patriotism, despite all the issues we face today. I realized that I learned this love of country from my dad. Who loves their country more than the ones who go out and fight for it? That leave their families, wives, children, friends, and life for months at a time in order to defend and protect our liberties? He taught me about patriotism. About loyalty. And so many other things; I could go on and on.
Most importantly, my dad showed me what I should look for in a husband. He showed me how I should expect a man to treat me. Even as a tiny girl, I watched my parents. I saw how my dad respected my mom, and expected me to respect her. He always treated her (and us) with kindness and compassion and love. We used to tell them that they were gross for kissing in front of us, but there was no doubt in my mind how much my dad loved my mom. He taught me what love is.
My dad exemplifies all the qualities that are good in human nature. He has his faults, sure, but he really is one of my greatest heroes. He is the smartest man I know - he can do math problems in his head without thinking about them, he can land a plane with his eyes shut (though he doesn't!!), and he can teach a mean Sunday School lesson that doesn't even bore me - but he is the humblest man I know. He never speaks of the awards he's been given for saving people's lives and valor in combat. Mom told me he has been given several of those, and not once have I heard him talk about it. I would LOVE to hear his stories, but to him, he didn't do anything special. He was just being my dad, loving and compassionate and smart and kind and special.
My dad is an awesome man. He can throw a baseball, shoot a hoop, and do whatever other sports things he wants, but when he was around us, he could play dress up and barbies and was very sweet and playful. I never doubted that I was loved and wanted. We loved when dad would get down on the floor and just play.
My dad always had high expectations of me. It wasn't that he told me to do certain things, it was that that was just expected of me in our house. I remember my first semester at BYU, my dad's voice was in my head a LOT. I knew I was expected to make good grades, make good choices, and make him proud.
And he has always been proud of me. He was there every time I needed him. He may not have made every dance or band recital, being in the military, but he was there in every way that counted. If I just needed a hug from him, he would wrap his arms around me and tell me he loved me. Even now, when James and I needed a place to stay, he opened his home up to us without even a question.
And now, seeing the way he is so sweet with Mom in her time of need, I almost want to cry. He is so tender with her and I can see in his eyes how much he loves her.
My dad is a hero in every sense of the word. I love him more than I can say, and he has taught me so much about life. He has truly been the best father any girl could ask for, and I know that someday (in the far FUTURE) he will be a wonderful grandfather to my children.
I love you, Daddy.
