My Dad

I have been thinking about my Dad lately.  This April he will have been gone 15 years.  I want to do something to mark the time not in a way that says "I miss him so much" but in a way that lets others see him.  I will see my Dad again.  I have confidence that he exists and will someday be reunited with his body.  I do miss him but I know he is doing exactly what he loved doing on earth, taking care of his family.  I think this will be an ongoing post.  This one will introduce my Dad.

 

So The best way to introduce my Dad I think is to talk about his viewing.  I know it seems like a weird and depressing place to start but it really isn't.  My Dad loved quiet and calm.  He did not like to stand out.  We knew at a family party he could be found off to the side reading or playing chess with Uncle Jim.  He did not hold any big leadership positions in church or at work.  I think he might have been a high priest group leader once which in my faith is basically helping to lead and organize the older men in our church group (ward).  My Dad was a quiet unassuming man but his viewing was packed.  The owners of the Mortuary (Larkin one of the bigger mortuaries in Salt Lake) asked my Mom who my Dad was because the line went out the door past the hours of the viewing.  He did die young I am sure that had something to do with it but the bigger reason is that people loved my Dad.  I honestly do not know of anyone that knew my Dad that did not love him.  I really mean love him too not just like but love.  My Dad was kind to everyone.  He was so full of goodness that his eyes twinkled.  There is no other way to describe it they twinkled and sparkled and when he looked at you and smiled you could feel that he genuinely thought you were awesome.  He looked at everyone that way.