My Hero

We all have heroes! Some of them, in my opinion, are not really worthy of hero status. But they are heroes to some, nonetheless. When I talk of heroes tonight, I am talking about men who I and my family admire so much.

(Little Side Note: I do have many female heroes

but that's a topic for a future blog. There are only so many hours in a day!)

I am so grateful that my sons have decided that some of their heroes are Nephi, Captain Moroni, 2000 Stripling Warriors, Helaman, Lehi, Mormon, just to mention a few. Joe has a couple of pictures on his wall of Chad Lewis--one who surrounds himself with greatness and encourages all the young men in our ward to do the same. I am grateful for Chad's positive influence on my sons. Joe's favorite is probably the picture of the young boy, Joseph Smith, kneeling in the Sacred Grove. Jake has pictures of his daddy on one wall and the Stripling Warriors and Samuel the Lamanite on the other. Everyday I am thankful for the influence of these great men in my young boys' lives.

I have had a few heroes in my life. Men who I have really looked up to.

My sweet Shane--Enough said! Not enough ink to express how I love and admire him. He is like breath to me. He is my reason! My one, true North.

My sons, Joe and Jake. They make me want to be a better person.

My brothers, Bret and Ty. They've always had my back!!

Stephen and Ben--my boys-in-law! Thanks Meg and Britt.

School teachers I loved and admired so much---Jay Allen and Carl Ingersoll, to name a couple.

Church leaders and teachers: Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder David Bednar, Pres. Dieter Uchtdorf, Pres. Spencer W. Kimball, Elder Grant Bangerter, Elder Paul H. Dunn, George Durrant, Rich Robins, Stan Kauffman and so many others.

Keith Crockett, Marion Vance and Ben Hinds were heroes of my childhood.

Hospice patients who have taught me love, long-suffering, forgiveness, like Elmer Wiscombe, Legrand Mott, Ben Lewis, Richard Robins, Paul Singleton and Wilson Hayward, only naming a few.

My sweet father-in-law, Howard Jackson. Such a patient, loving man. So willing to love my children and me when Shane added all of us to his family. He never leaves or lets us leave without telling us, "I love you!"

My Grandpa's---both Williams and Collins had a huge impact on my life. I remember little details about them. The way Grandpa Collins always smelled of Old Spice. The way Grandpa Williams shook dice with his precious little crippled hands while we played Aggravation (Marbles). How sweet it was that Grandpa Collins would always sing love songs to Grandma. The proud look in Grandpa Williams eyes when we reeled in a "killer" Blue Gill.

These men are precious to me, but one stands out----above all others.

He was my first hero and will probably always be my favorite. He.....was so strikingly handsome, one of the funniest people I have ever known, hard-working, loved to give mom a hard time during FHE (funny memories), loved my mom, proud of his children, and occasionally really ashamed of us--but heaven knows, we deserved it. Anyway, when I sit and think about him, a myriad of thoughts and feelings take over. Feelings of joy, loneliness, happiness, despair, loyalty, gratitude, regret--LONGING! I am flooded--surrounded and feel his spirit with me.....often. Even Now.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I hope, everyday, that I do something that makes you proud of me. Something that makes you look down from Heaven and say to those around you, "That's my girl!"

I miss you. I love you!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Green Tapioca Pudding for dessert!

Wish you were here.