HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

I hesitated to do this; not because I didn't want too; but because the emotions are a little close to the surface. I was writing on my calendar the other day and I looked at the 21st-Dad's birthday-and I thought, "Do I write it down?" Yes, of course, I do! I think of Dad so often but there are times when I just miss him and I yearn for one of his hugs, a chance to hold his hand or his telling me I'm wonderful.

My Dad was a great Dad. He was fun. We used to play tricks on each other. (He gave me coal for Christmas when I was 16 so I put his alarm clock under his bed and set it for 2am.) He was always so loving and caring. He did spank me once-the circumstances will not be mentioned; but everyone else was doing it! But most often he was comfortable to be with. You never doubted his love.

Dad was not perfect but even when he broke Megan's bed so we could fit it in the trailer to move-you some how couldn't be mad at him. Exasperated-yes! Mad-no! I could never get past the twinkle in his eye or the little shrug of his shoulder. I asked him once, if he thought that he was prejudiced and he was honestly surprised.

Dad was the one I always ran too first for help and to impart news. Right after I graduated from high school, I went to get my hair cut and the lady talked me into a boy cut (my hair was below my shouders-dumb, I know). When I went crying to Dad that I looked like a boy, he took me to get my ears pierced. (Mom was not very pleased.) I always knew that I would find comfort and peace, if I could just talk to Dad. Since we lived so far away, Dad was always willing to give long distance blessings to help me through whatever came my way.

One of the things I miss most, is his hands. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved his hands. They were warm, comforting hands. I used to play with them, hold on to them and then to feel them on my head-I knew all would be well.

I know that you are busy in heaven Dad. I am so happy for you but I miss you and I pray that you know how very much I love you. You will always be my hero and my Dad. Happy Birthday!

OH HONEY-YOU DIDN'T!

Now, I know that Paul and I have been married for almost 33 years-yes, it boggles the mind!-and we have never really done a lot on Valentines Day. My birthday is so close and our anniversary is not far behind but I think we hit a new low yesterday. Last evening, Paul approached me with gift in hand; wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a bow and I admit my heart jumped and I thought, "Oh, how sweet-a present!". Now, not everyone would consider a bottle of pomegranate (Yes, I did have to look on the bottle for spelling) juice a gift, but my husband did. He told me he bought it especially for me because I love pomegranates. I didn't know this about myself but after 33 years, Paul knows; so I'll take his word for it. He sincerely believes that this was a wonderful, unique token of our love. Scary isn't it? Hey, I can't complain, I gave him a cheesey Valentine pin and asked him to wear it all day. He is such a good sport-he did! Nevertheless, we are content with our lameness and have completely moved Valentine's Day into a stress free holiday. Needless to say, our expectations are very low!

SOMETIMES-IHC-IT HASN'T CHANGED!

Do we ever really understand our parents? I think parents understand their children but do we ever understands our parents. Let's face it-parents have just been around longer. We can say all we want that they just don't understand TODAY but I think they do and I think they have had the time to recognize what is most important and what to do to make it stay important. Now, I know that I am coming at this mostly from the parent end of things but I decided that I have to be kinder to my parent. For example, I have been bugging my MOM to clean out her closets and throw away SOMETHING! (For those of you who know my Mother-she can't do it.) MOM is 92 and she really just doesn't want to. I think that I bug her so much to do it so that when the time comes, I won't have to do it. But anyway, in my effort to be nicer to old people-that includes myself-I have started to once again go through drawers, closets, etc. and clean out. It is not easy, but MOM we both need to do it.

I have also noticed that things don't change a lot as you get older (except your stomach, your bladder, your upper lip, your hair-but thats an epic yet to be written!) I'm talking about the MOM/children relationship. I swear my children know the instant I step into the bathroom. Those at home need something and those not at home are calling. IT HASN'T CHANGED! My time still has to be scheduled carefully due to sharing a car with a son who has to work, go to school, work at the temple, go to institute. I am thrilled to have him home for a time-but-IHC! And lucky me, I still get the, "Is that what you are going to wear?", and I am also lucky enough to get, "MOM, I keep in touch, I talked to you for a couple of minutes last week!" IHC! Not to mention, "MOM, have you done laundry (YES, a billion times!), MOM, make me lunch, MOM, I have to have......." and, of course the ever present 'rolling of the eyes!' IHC!
So just remember as life move forward, it changes but it stays the same. I am grateful for that but I can change and just be nicer to anyone this age (including me) and older.