POPS

"POPS" Is my term of endearment for my beloved father. I use it mostly because no one else does. There certainly are many things you could call or refer to him as. In Relief Society last week the question was posed, "what lessons did you learn from your____"? I have to say as far as sit down and give me a lesson memorys I have not much to say about that. Lessons are absorbed over time and usually when we are more like a sponge than a stone in our way of being. So lessons I got from my father were rarely words. After all he isn't a man who lectures, or has been accused of being wordy.

When I called to wish my father a happy 76th Birthday on Saturday I got mom. She said he can't come to the phone now he is out playing with his new roto tiller tilling up the garden. This is worth a giggle. Who does that for their birthday??

Lesson 1. Work is good for ya and he is living vibrant proof.

Yesterday I attended a team meeting for a family where the father has been granted no reunification rights with his children. He has messed up to many times relapsing to his drug of choice. The court will not offer another chance on the governments dime. He is a good hearted man. My heart hurts for him as he wipes the tears from his eyes before they sting his face. But I have more sorrow for the children that no longer hope he will even try.

Lesson 2. Thier are sacrifices you must make for the good of your family.

I remember the pipe dad smoked when I was quite young. I thought it looked a bit distinguished watching him as we drove down the road. Apparently he thought baptising me was more distinguished. Thanks dad I know how hard it is to move beyond our demons.

Lesson 3. Just do it.

I have a head full of want to's, cants, got tos , and donts. They plaque when I try to rest. I sleep better after I clean the fridge, write in a journal or organize a drawer.

My father sleeps like a rock or at least it seems that way. And he should he is a doer. He exercises, eats better, and drains the sprinklers before snow falls. He is just that kind of guy. He doesnt ignore what should be done.

Lesson 4. Because I have been given much I to must give.

I'm not sure what hours of the day (short of the Jazz games) belong to my dad. He is in service mode most of the time. he is sweeping up little kid cupcake messes, repairing dryers , growing produce for the neighborhood and family,filling church responsibilities, helping bring in the sheep with the neighbor man, doing some ones electrical repairs, pumping up a tire with the air compressor he just happens to carry in the trunk.He works on the clock and works off the clock. He pushes wheel chairs threw Disneyland , swims with grand kids, and always hugs real tender and says you know I love ya. He is a gentle giant.

Thats a short list of things my father taught me without ever creating a lesson plan. I love ya the muchest POPS. Happy Birthday to all of us for having you.