III. Dad

My dad grew up in a home full of turmoil as well.  His dad is the sweetest-tempered, most gentle, Christ-like man.  His mom had some unresolved mental issues.  She physically and verbally abused my dad as a child, to the point that he acted out just to get the love and stroking that came after.

Of course, everyone would have said that my dad was a really naughty kid, and he pushed her to the limit.  What they discovered much, much later in life is that he has attention deficit (possibly hyperactive) disorder.  My dad was third of four children.

My dad served an LDS mission in Paris, France.  He put himself through college by working as an auto-mechanic.  He got a degree in business management.  During college, he met my mom.  He was the  handsome guy everyone was after, but she didn't play that game.   Of course, that intrigued my dad, so he chased her.  They got married soon after.   When I was very little, my dad injured his back.  I think it was a very difficult time for him, especially since he had several mouths to feed.  Eventually he recovered, but I think it was a great learning experience.

Ever since, he has been a very hard worker, and never slacked in his duty to provide for his growing family.  He was also a bit of an entrepreneur, so he dabbled in a lot of side interests.  My dad is the kind of guy who is a jack of all trades.  He can do anything.  He is very smart and an amazing problem-solver.

Something else about my dad that I admire is that he has an extensive knowledge about the gospel.  He is the kind of person who ponders, and he is the kind of person who understands eternal things.  If I ever have a question about kids, I call Mom.  If I ever have a question about the gospel, I call Dad.

My dad and I didn't get along too well when I was a teenager, though.  I think it was because I was trying to assert myself (beyond the limits), and he really just wanted what was best for me.  So we clashed.  As I've gotten older, I have learned to appreciate the wisdom of his 24 extra years of life.

My dad is always helping other people.  He is always reaching out and searching for people who need a little boost.  He never expects anything in return.  He is an amazing example of Christlike love in action.  I hope that I can learn to be like that.  Sometimes it feels impossible to reach outside of my own little family, but I know that my dad always does.  Love you, Dad!