I love my Dad. I love my Husband. I cannot imagine life without their sturdy faith and courageous examples.
As a father, my Dad has shown me great patience and forgiveness. He played an important role in Britt and Paige's early years. He is still available when any of us need an extra ear. He is my friend.
As a father Troy has shown our children unwavering unconditional love since the day he committed to be my husband, and a father to B & P. Watching him with our kids has been one of the greatest joys of our marriage.
Probably what I appreciate most about BOTH of them, is their solid, even demeanor. It's not that they don't ever get upset ... it's just that they are apt to respond calmly, even in anger. They don't get mad and blow, they don't say things they will later regret. They almost always show a calm temperament towards their children and grandchildren and wives. I appreciate knowing they'll keep their cool and do the right thing. In this way I believe they model the love of our True Father in Heaven. For that, I am blessed - and humbled.
No earthly father is perfect. I am not setting either of these men up as infallible. They're not. But, this is what I love- Despite their failures in life; (and they'll both admit to more than a few) they've taken what they did wrong and learned from it, used it ... to inspire change and build a better future for themselves and their families. They offer no excuses, no "poor me," no, "I had a tough this", or a bad shake at that ... they rose above their circumstances and mistakes and took full responsibility and moved on. I respect that.
When I read this poem a few weeks ago so much of it made me think of YOU, Dad and Troy.
I love you Daddy. And, I love you sweetheart. I am so thankful for you both.
Thank you God for giving me these MEN.
A poem written by Josiah Gilbert Holland,
GOD, Give us men!
A time like this demands Strong minds, great hearts,
True faith and ready hands;
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office can not buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who can stand before a demagogue
And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking!
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fogIn public duty, and in private thinking;
For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds,
Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps,
Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps.
God give us men;
Men who serve not for selfish booty;
But real men, courageous, who flinch not at duty.
Men of dependable character;
Men of sterling worth;
Then wrongs will be redressed,
And right will rule the earth.
God Give us Men!
