Daddy

I wrote a long list of reasons why my mom is freaking legit for Mother's Day.

Just because I didn't do this on Father's Day doesn't mean my dad is not legit.

I've been thinking lately about all the reasons I appreciate my father. I think one of the most important things he did was help me learn how important the Gospel is. He makes family scripture study and prayer and family home evening and church attendance a huge priority. His example was essential to my spiritual development and he continues to be a rock in my life when I need advice or support.

Another reason I love my dad is because he always tells me I'm beautiful. It seems shallow when I say it, but knowing my dad thinks I'm beautiful gives me a special confidence in myself that can't be taken away. Closely tied to this is the fact that he always expects me to be modest. He was never harsh or bossy about it, but let me know in a gentle, non-confrontational way, and that communicated his opinion much more effectively than yelling or or scolding would.

I used to come to him for permission for different things and one of those times, I asked him something and he told me that he trusted me to make my own decisions on those things. It scared me, but I knew that I could do it because he'd instilled in me a strong sense of right and wrong. I feel the influence of my Dad daily as I choose what movies to watch, what friends to have, what books to read, and so much more. Not because he micromanaged everything I did or said, but because he had a strong testimony of what is good, and wants good things for me and I see that now that I've experience with trial and error and have seen that in a lot of situations, his way was the best way all along.

My dad is really smart. I love that about him. I can come to him with questions about almost anything and if he doesn't know the answer, which isn't common, he'll usually find it out pretty quickly and let me know. He helps all of us with schoolwork, and he encouraged me to grow my mind. He never used the fact that I was a girl as a reason for me to not pursue a higher education and pick a good major that was marketable. When I was applying for the nursing program and waiting to hear back, he believed in me more than I did. He always tells me that I'm brilliant and gorgeous and can do anything I set my mind to. I'm so grateful for his faith in me.

I could write a lot more than this about my wonderful dad but I'm going to stop now. 

Dad, I love you. Thanks for everything.