Kiitos

I remember being thrown high up into the air. The tall oak trees had nothing on me. I was going to make it to the roof! I didn't even come close, but it was thrilling just to try and I wasn't scared one bit, even though I was only a very little girl.
I knew my dad would catch me.

That is probably my earliest memory.

I also remember learning to ride a bike. I wasn't too worried about falling, because my dad was with me.

In fact, every significant milestone in my life and every difficult choice was made a little easier just knowing my dad would be there.

His steadiness in the gospel has helped build my testimony. His faithfulness to his family helped me to choose a good father for my children. His thirst for knowledge, his desire to to good, his willingness to serve have all been critical to my happiness, because I can see now that those are the things that really matter in life.

Sometimes I wonder if in the pre-existence we were just thrown up into the air and randomly caught into a family down below. In my heart I don't think so. I needed (and still need!) my dad. My particular dad. My worried, encouraging, funny, faithful, wonderful dad to catch me and help me on my way.

I love you dad.