Happy Father's Day Dad!

The word father has many different meanings and associations to many different people. It is interesting to note the role of fathers and how important they are in everyone's life. Just like mother, you can't truly replace a father or his role or influence.
Here is a tribute to our dad's:

Brittney: My dad has a very unique sense of humor and goofy mannerisms has stuck with him throughout his entire life. During my early childhood years, my dad was hyper, full of life, and extremely physically active. We played football, basketball, softball, and tennis together. My dad taught me how to do a layup, how to catch a football, how to serve in tennis, and how to field a ground ball. When I was about 10 years old, my dad broke his back which put an end to our quarterback/wide receiver days. However, his sense of humor has stuck with him through all the hard times. My dad loves card and board games. We played Rook, Pinochle, Reds, and 7-up nearly every weekend while growing up. My dad is always known for his outrageous bids in Pinochle, yet he makes his meld every time. My dad loves REO Speedwagon, STYX, Boston, and BTO to name a few. I have very fond memories of playing "rock band" with us switching off as lead singers. With wooden spoons for microphones, and some very groovy dance moves, you could find us all over the house singing these songs. We used to dance in the kitchen while doing dishes, sing at the top of our lungs while in standing in line at amusement park rides, order refills of coffee because they are free (my dad doesn't drink coffee - he just likes to tease the waitress), and blow straw wrappers at each other all over the restaurant. We had great times together. I have memories of long car rides, funny conversations, using car parts catalogs for traction when stuck in the mud, and being "pond scum" in many different instances.
My dad has not always had an easy life, but I have worked hard to develop a lasting relationship with him. I know that my dad, although extremely blunt and at times tactless, will always be there for me, listen to what I have to say, and wants the best for me. During my high school sports playing years when he wasn't traveling for his job, he was in the stands cheering me on. I always knew when he was at my softball games, because he used to sit on the 3rd base line, and after every play yell at the top of his lungs, "A good 3rd baseman would have got that." It didn't matter where the ball went, it could have gone to right field, and he would yell that. In fact, there is a picture in the newspaper of my playing at 3rd base, and my dad in the background with his bright coat on.
I love my dad, and I know he has made great sacrifices to help provide for his family. To emphasize my dad's goofy nature, here is a picture of us doing the "victory dance" at my wedding breakfast. We also did the "itchy man dance" at the reception.



Bruce: The first time I met Stan (Brittney's dad), I went home with Brittney to Otto's (Brittney's brother) graduation. Brittney was driving Bobby(her truck), and dad came running out when we got there, and gave Bobby a big hug. He called me a "cradle robbing dragon." Brittney loves Bobby, and the reason why he called me a "cradle robbing dragon" is because Brittney was 20 and I was 24 almost 25. The first time we saw dad after our wedding, he came running up to us saying, "Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" because that is what he always calls Brittney, but instead of running up to Brittney and giving her a hug, he said "BeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeRuce," and gave me a hug. He and Brittney have always had a special relationship, and I'm glad he trusts me with his daughter Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Bruce:I have worked alongside my dad for as long as I can remember. I have also played basketball with my dad for as long as I can remember. 1 Nephi 2:15 says, "And my father dwelt in a tent." As a scout, my father went on week long camp outs two different times. One time we floated down the Green River, and the other time we went up to Yellowstone National Park. I was grateful my dad took the time to go with us on these scout camps.
I remember coming home from milking with my dad one time in a Farmington east wind blizzard. On the way home in the blinding snow storm my dad picked me up and carried me home the rest of the way.
In my new responsibilities as an adult, I have been grateful for my dad's wisdom and experience.

This picture was recently published in the Tooele Transcript Bulletin.

Brittney: I admire Bruce's dad a lot. He works hard and teaches his children the doctrines of the gospel. I have always been impressed when visiting his house the relationships each of his siblings have with each other. They are all very close and get along well, and part of that is because they all learn at an early age to work together. They all realize that each person is an important member of the family, and that things wouldn't be the same if someone were missing. Flint sets a good example for his children to follow, especially his older sons in how to honor and treat their mother. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful husband who treats me with the upmost care and respect. I know that he learned this from his father, as well as many other skills and qualities he possess. From the first moment I met Bruce's family, I instantly felt a part of it. I was welcomed with open arms, and I too know that I am appreciated and needed in his family. As the father of 13 children, Flint has a lot of responsibility. I do admire the many things he does for his family because his love for them is evident in all they do.

Happy Father's Day to all those father's out there. You hold a special place!