My Dad

In the quiet moments you cross my mind and it's still hard for me to believe I can't call you up and get advice. You made it easy for us to come to you. I loved how you would joke and tease us and give us counsel when needed.

I remember those last few nights with you and they forever will make me smile. :) I remember coming home that Sunday night and that bag of Godiva Chocolates that you had won at Mom's work party. You told us you'd be nice and share one with us. Kristy helped herself to a few and licked each one before you could take them back. We all knew you were happy to share :) That night we fought over your lazy boy. You dragged me out by my leg because I'd sat down in your chair when you'd only gone to the kitchen to get a drink. That chair was always your seat. I sit there every time I go home now and wrap up in your Nebraska blanket. :)

Two nights later, on December 4th 2012 you called that night to say you'd be late from work. You were so happy that night when you came home. I remember your smile as you kicked up your feet in your chair and told mom and I you planned to work overtime the rest of the week; just to irk a few people out there at work. :) There was a light about you that night. I remember you asking me how I was doing and when I was planning to head back to Jackson. That last evening with you is a cherished memory that resembles so many others I have of you. :)

Family always came first for you and we all knew it. We knew it in the way you worked so hard for us; even though you didn't like your job. We knew it from the way you taught us. You loved us unconditionally and taught us to love the same way.

You always had time for each of us and that is something I hope I can emulate in my future family. I loved the time we spent together. We grew closer as a family because of all those camping, backpacking, and fishing trips you planned for us. I'm forever grateful for all those runs you went with me on. I know I wouldn't have gotten as good as I did; had it not been for your encouragement and support. All those nights after your long day at work when you'd pull out your bike just so I didn't have to run the streets alone. We had many good talks on those runs. :)

There are so many other memories of you that I will forever love and cherish. Thanks for being the best Dad! I love you and I look forward to that day when I will see you again :)

Story of the Day-

Poor Matt never gets the good stories from work. :) Kirsten and I tried to save him one, but the guests came back before three this afternoon.

Our housekeepers had gone in to clean a cabin and they said it smelled awful. The head housekeeper brought a muffin cup with ashes and the roach to the office. We charged the New Yorkers 200 bucks for smoking marijuana in their cabin and locked them out so we could inform them of this.

We thought Matt would get to deal with them when they came back from skiing, but we were wrong. The guys came in and said our keys aren't working. We said, "Nope. They sure aren't."

Kirsten pulled out the muffin cup with the ashes that we'd placed in a zip lock bag and told them that we charged them 200 bucks for smoking in the room. We told them it didn't matter what it was that we didn't allow it.

One guy tried asking his buddy what happened to their DND sign. His buddy told him it didn't matter now. There was no DND on that door. The housekeepers wouldn't have entered if there was. They must have forgotten...oops! All I can say is that sure was some expensive pot for those guys. :)

"President David O. McKay once said that “the greatest battles of life are fought out daily in the silent chambers of the soul. ” My young friends, I am a veteran of many such “soul-battles” in my own life. I have witnessed them in the lives of others. And I am here today to admonish you to learn now to dig your foxholes! But the “foxholes” to which I refer are not literal, they are not holes in the ground. Neither are they dug with a crude implement, like an “entrenching tool.” Your foxholes are figurative, they are in heart and mind. They are the product of devotion and courage. They are foxholes of faith. They are foxholes of determination. They are foxholes of purpose. They are foxholes of decision. They are foxholes in your very soul!"

~Lance B. Wickman

“Be very careful if you make a woman cry, because God counts her tears. The woman came out of a man’s rib. Not from his feet to be walked on. Not from his head to be superior, but from the side to be equal. Under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved.”