My Dad

There are many reasons why I love my Dad. 

Just to name a few, My dad has worked HARD his entire life to provide a comfortable life for us.  My dad is amazing at everything he does.  My dad taught me how to play sports.  This element has enabled me to enjoy keeping in shape because I love to play basketball.  Dad has been a wonderful husband to my mom for 35 years, showing me along the way exactly how to love and support his eternal companion.  My dad knows how to have fun, he has always taken me places with our family and shown us what a good time really means.  Most importantly, my dad made a choice about 20 years ago to become a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  In doing so, he has helped me gain a testimony of the Savior, and of the happiness that can be found in living a life with high standards. 

Last weekend this loving kind father of mine taught me something new, a lesson I would rather not have learned in such a harsh manner.  My dad suffered a stroke in the right side of his brain.  The stroke took place on Sunday evening the 12th of June.  We were about to eat dinner when his left arm became numb and he began to have pain in his head above his eye, and he was seeing stars.  My dad had complained of these symptoms a few weeks prior to this, but did not go in to get things checked out.  After consulting a nurse friend in their neighborhood, my mom quickly brought him to the E.R. in St. George.  After a few tests, they were able to determine that there was a blockage in his carotid artery.  It was in fact 98 percent blocked which would require surgery to remove the blockage.  We were all in a state of shock!  Shocked that this had in fact actually happened, and grateful at the same time that there would be no permanent damage from the stroke.  The surgery was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, and we began to pray like we never had before.  We prayed for our father who means everything to us in this life, who more importantly means everything to our mother who was in a more advanced stage of shock.  My mom's father also suffered a stroke which following surgery left him paralyzed on half  of his whole body.  This experience did not help my mom feel comfort to deal with the up coming surgery for my dad.  There were blessings given by the power of the Holy priesthood.  The fear that was ever present in all of us was lost in the calming spirit of the comforter.  After a long 4 hours of surgery, we received the wonderful news that the surgery, although more difficult then anticipated, had gone just as planned.  Everything would recover to it's natural state, and my dad would be home in a few days. My aunt, who is an awesome Nurse, flew in from Texas to help my mom and dad through this whole ordeal. I'm sure she has been a great help in answering any questions that might be ailing them both.

Since the surgery, my dad has had a few rough times but over all is doing very well. 

The lesson that my dad has taught me this past week, is that we can be called up at any time.  This life is just a small piece of our Heavenly Fathers plan, and when he wants us to come back he will bring us home. 
Love the life that you have.  Enjoy every bit of it.  Turn the bad days into good, and always look for the brightness that can bring peace and happiness into your soul.  Do not contend with family or friends just to win an argument, and never leave or say goodbye with out telling your family you love them!  I know that my Dad is fine now and that there is much work left for him to do.  I am so grateful to have him for a little while longer.  I'm glad that he still has the ability to teach me many more lessons, and to help my children find the zest in life. 

This Sunday, I will give thanks for the man that I call father.  I will continually honor him by living the way he has taught me to, by serving the Lord, and being worthy to continue to receive His blessings.

I LOVE YOU DAD!