I love my Dad! Ever since I was a little girl I have looked up to and admired him so much! He always made me laugh, and was the life of every party. Throughout his life he was always a great example to me, and whenever I had a question I would go to him for the answer. I held him up on a pedestal, and have always thought the world of him. I am so thankful to have had such a wonderful Dad, who taught me well throughout his life. He taught me what was right, and expected me to do it.
One year ago today he passed away in a car accident while serving a mission in Africa. Finding out this tragic reality was the most devastating experience I have had in my life. It changed my life. I miss him terribly. The parties just aren't as fun. It is hard to believe that everything I looked forward to when he would return home from his mission, is gone. I wish he could have bellied up to the bar with Bryn, they both have a great love of food (especially sweets). He never met either of my children. Bryn was born 4 weeks after they left, and Lukas was born one week before he died.
I am so thankful for the timing of Luke's birth, because I was able to talk with my Dad more than I usually would throughout the last week of his life. He and my Mom called to check in on me, and I was able to hear his voice minutes before the accident.
This experience has also strengthened my testimony that this life is NOT the end. I have had spiritual confirmation of this reality, and I am so thankful for that. I know that I will someday be reunited with my Dad, and that right now he is able to watch over us. I have felt his presence, and even heard his words buoy me up when I've had pitty parties for myself.
I found this poem I wrote about him when I was 8 year old.
My Dad tickles my nose
My Dad pulls my toes
He brings me presents from the store
I like to listen to him snore
Sometimes when I get real sick
He blesses me, and I get well quick
He works so hard to do things right
From early in the morning till late at night
I love you Dad!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
My Dad
Posted by Nelson at 1:51 PM
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16 happy thoughts:
All I saw was the picture and the tears started flowing. That was beautiful, Katie.
Love ya!
Yep, brought tears to my eyes all over again, too. Love you, dear!
Bryn looks so much like you as a little girl!
Oh Katie. How your family has been filling my thoughts the past few weeks. To be honest, I never knew your father. I never knew anyone in your family until you moved into our ward. However, I have been able to see how the strength, wisdom, and testimony of your Dad has touched countless lives of people I love so dearly. What a great man. What an amazing legacy. This month is especially hard for us as well. It was during your Dad's funeral that we found out that our best friend, Dustin Morris, died of an overdose. It seems we keep waiting for that pain to go away, don't we? I think it is there for a reason- so that we don't ever take those lives for granted. I, too, am grateful for my knowledge of the next life. Thank you for your testimony.
Love,
Amylee
You are amazing, Katie! Thanks for sharing that piece about your Dad - he sounds like an amazing man.
Katie...I thought about you all day Saturday. What a sweet tribute to your Dad. He was an amazing man and not only are you lucky to have such an amazing dad, but he is so lucky to have you as his daughter. We are so blessed to have the knowledge of eternal families. Thank you for your faith and optimism!
Sure love ya!
Marcae
Katie, what a sweet post in remembrance of your dad! He sounds like an wonderful man! I actually met him and your mom once when Richie and I were visiting and I remember they were both so warm, genuine and easy to talk to. No wonder, you are such a sweetheart too! Thanks for sharing your precious testimony - you are amazing (and I am so glad that I am getting to know you better, through blogging!) xoxo
Like the others, I had tears in my eyes too. You are so strong and amazing. You have many qualities just like your dad. We are thinking of you!
What a nice tribute for your dad. Thanks for sharing it. We all love ya, Katie.
That was really sweet Katie! Your dad sounds like he was such an amazing person. He certainly has an amazing daughter!
Oh Katie you are so amazing!! You always were amazing, but it's almost as though this experience has made you even more so. I remember telling Jeff when we saw you at Kate's birthday party how you comforted me when I was scrambling for words so say. Love your dad. I can still picture that smile stealing across his face in the high council room in the Stake Center. I was young when he served in the Stake Presidency but for some reason he always reminded me on President Monson so I thought he walked on water, which he did. In a way, I think Mitch has a little bit of that same smile. The twinkle in the eyes and the curling on the corners of the mouth. As though they know something you don't. Anyway I'm sure it was a hard day and everyday for that matter. Thanks for sharing.
I hope you are doing well. You have such a great way of expressing your feelings. I look up to you in many ways. You are my spiritual guide to life. We love you.
I miss him too, Kate. He was a one of a kind. I have been thinking of you. You have had quite a few milestones in your life in the last week or so. I love the poem that you wrote! It reminds me of my 4th grade licorice eating buddy!
Two words: Woa Nelly!
Katie so amazing. I can't believe what a crazy week this must have been for you all of the highs and lows. And of course you did it all with grace and humility.
Katie, you got me all tender hearted! What a neat tribute to your dad. He sounds like an amazing man.
Katie - thank you for the nice tribute. I am sorry for your loss. What a wonderful reunion that will be for you.
Katie, I will never forget your dad. Both of your parents were always so good to me. I still think Luke resembles him. Love you.
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