He Ain't that Old

Happy Being-Born Day Dad,

I just realized that you never got a nick name. Mine was Clamp while building the house, and Corey eventually got Corkles. But then again, Dad is a nickname as well. But not just a nickname, I see it as an honorary title. I cannot wait until I can have the privilege and honor of being called Dad.

 A funny, yet meaningful, memory that I have with dad is one during my baseball era. I didn't like baseball much. It was hard and horrifying for me. Every time i stepped up to the plate, i would start shaking and close my eyes hoping that I could just walk to first base. I was so worried that the pitcher wouldn't know how to aim and would hit me. ha ha. I laugh now, but i sure wasn't laughing then. I rarely swung because of fear. And every time the umpire called out "ball", I could hear my dad above all others in the crowd say, "Good eye son." I didn't have a good eye, I had petrifying fear! My Dad cared for me and wanted me to feel like a winner.

I have a lot of fond memories with my Dad, but I don't think any of them are as impactful as the days of working on the house. I learned more of my father through those years than any other. Mainly because I saw Dad when he was stretched and pulled farther than I had ever seen him. I will never understand how he did it, but he just kept working. We tried to end the days when the sun went down, but rarely did that happen. The sun went down, and we got the extension cords and lights all over the place. It was a very constructive time on the house, and in my own life. Thank you Dad for showing me what it meant to actually WORK. When Corey and I got too tired to function, he would let us go to bed, but he would keep truckin'. My Dad doesn't let his body make decisions. If a job isn't done, it isn't done. He is going to finish it. I will never forget the day we stayed up until 3:30 in the morning preparing the driveway for concrete. Corey and I had to wake up at 5:30 or so to help dad top it off and then soon after leave for a Lacrosse tournament. When we got up, Dad had already been up. I wondered if Dad even slept. I doubt it.

There are literally hundreds of experiences i could share from working on the house, but I will change to memories of pleasure.

From Dad, I learned how to vacation. My favorite vacations are of course Lake Powell and then Motor Cycling Moab. When country music turns on, my first thought goes to yelling "Kenny!!" through the unfinished house, my second thought goes to long dirt roads in Moab. There is nothing like going to Moab on a bike that your father helped you restore. My little Yamaha is the greatest investment I have ever made. Not because it was a great deal for how well it runs, but for all the time it gave to me and my Dad. We worked on that bike a lot and now it runs like a little climbing demon. There wasn't a hill that bike couldn't summit in Moab. The only thing that held it back was my skill level. ha ha.

I remember on our last Moab trip, Dad gathered us boys around the campfire and taught us how to be Men in the Priesthood. He told us how much he loved our Mother. That means a lot to a boy, to know that his father loves his mother. I am grateful that I have a dad that can do that. Not only teach the word of God, but also to live it. Thank you Dad!!

On a more recent note, I remember seeing my Dad at the airport when I left for Hawaii. Even though my Dad didn't think it was the best decision for me to come to Hawaii, he questioned it a little, he still supported me because he knew that I knew it was the best thing for me. He gave me a father's blessing at home and then we said goodbye at the house. Then at the airport Mom turned into a waiting parking lot. Why? Because my Dad wanted to say goodbye to his Son!! That made me so happy to see you there Dad. I knew that your job was pressing you like a tomato, but I also knew that family always came first for him.

When I call home, Dad tells me how much he misses me living with him. I cherish the days i had living at home with him. We never missed Monday night football. Always played basketball Tuesday nights and often worked on my bike in the garage. He was there when i needed him. He let me use his boat! what kind of a man let's his son take a boat out on the water with other college kids? My Dad, that's what kind of man does that.

I love you Dad. And I miss you so much. I will be home soon! and I will give you a log awaited birthday/thanksgiving/your-my-

dad hug.