It's been a while since I have blogged. I just got my internet back and today is a very sacred day for me. It commemorates the 10th anniversary of my father passing away. I feel the need to pay tribute to the most amazing man in the world.10 years go by so fast. So much has happened in those 10 years. But today I have been reflecting on all of the memories I had of my father when he was alive...
-I remember as a child, every Saturday morning around 7 am he would come into our room and wake us up to do our chores. We would complain that it was Saturday and we should be able to sleep in. His response was, "I did let you sleep in!" When we continued to enjoy the warmth of our beds, he would pull our ears to get us out of bed. We would scream in pain and he would say, "Oh it doesn't hurt either!"
-Every winter, when we were watching TV, he would stand right in front of the fireplace and roll up and down on his feet to stay warm.
-In the middle of the summer, he would see a commercial about snow or winter and he would shiver and become cold from watching it.
-My Dad would only swim in our pool if it was over a certain a temperature, he never did get his hot tub that he wanted. There was one time in the late summer that our pool temperature was very high and it started snowing. He jumped in and we have a video of the steam rising and he had a huge smile on his face.
-When I attended BYU and my Dad worked there, we would carpool. We had many interesting conversations on those drives. We had a burgundy Geo Tracker (it was a piece of garbage!). In the wintertime, he would always have one hand under his legs to try and keep them warm.
-My Dad loved Christmas! He always wanted to have more lights then you can imagine on the house. He always tried to make the day last as long as possible. All of us would be up in our parents bedroom and he would then get out of bed, sometimes he would shower while we waited "patiently". Then he would go downstairs and turn on all the lights, music, train, camcorder, etc. He would take forever!! When we were opening presents, he would slowly open every single gift. When I say slowly, I mean slowly. There was one year that there was tinsel or string in his present. He spent about a min taking the time to pick it off his present and get it off his hand and he hadn't even opened it yet. Many years, we didn't finish opening presents until the afternoon. He loved to savor the holiday.
There is so much that I could write about my father. There is also so much that I miss. I miss the fatherly advice, his corny sense of humor, his loving and caring for everyone, etc.
My advice to you, call your parents today and tell them how much you love them. Before you know it, they won't be around anymore and you won't be able to let them know how much you care. If you're not talking to your parents, make amends.
If you knew my Dad, please leave your favorite memories of him. I would LOVE to hear how you remember my hero in life.
I love you Dad!
9 comments:
Ya know, it's sad to say how much I have forgotten about dad. I do remember talking to him on the phone for the last time. I remember me telling him how I was going to ask Jasher Sutton out to preference set for Dec 17th. I'd shown him who he was at swim class. He went to my swim meets, just him, and I did the backstroke, my main stroke, and I'd always see him in the stands waving his hands for me to kick faster and he'd really be animated. He was someone I could always talk to. How many people can say they could talk to their dad as a teenager about boys? Oh and another memory was of Tiffany and I at Smith's shopping for girly monthly items and he'd rush by the isle back and forth saying, "Have you got what you need?" "Are you ready to go?" It always cracked us up. And that champagne Honda mom and dad had? Yeah, I remember driving to CA and Las Vegas a couple of times with Holli, Myself, and Tiffany in the back. Listening to Tiauna Brass and laughing our heads off about the random horn on one of the songs. Dad noticing the Stealth Bomber over head and asking us, "How does it feel to go 100 mph?" Oh, and one time the speakers were hooked up to the TV and every time he'd turn the channel there was a loud noise and mom cleared her throat and said, "Steven." and so he went really fast so that it would be more annoying. He even watched MTV with me once when this and remembering him laugh when this clothes designer was trying to get his model out on the runway and he was working around the chest area of the girl and the designer said, "Can't you just take these things off?" Dad laughed really hard at that. He had the remote, not me. Mom even caught him watching Simpsons while I was in the room. Ok, so maybe I do have some memories. Here's to dad!
when I lived in your house while attending college everytime I left the house I would yell up to Uncle steve in his office and it would take about 10 times and when he still couldn't hear me I had to raise my voice about 10 octaves higher to a screechy piercing sound and then he would respond automatically. Guess his ears only heard certain wave lengths!!
The week before he died your family was having a rat infestation and he had finally caught one of the little buggers and he came running into my room and said "look sharae!!! I caught one!!!! It was hugely disgusting to see the rodent but the look on his face was priceless he was so happy!!!
This is so sweet, Hols. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Makes me keep things in perspective and not take my mom for granted. I am glad you were able to create these memories with him. Take care and Merry Christmas! :) Jenny
Holli, you made me cry! What a sweet and loving tribute to your dad. I can't believe it has been ten years since he passed. He truly was a kind and funny man. I loved being around him--even if it was only once or twice a year. I loved his smile. It was one in a million. He was always so nice to me. I loved watching my own dad's eyes light up when he would see or talk to Steve. They weren't too far apart in age and I know my dad always looked up to him.
At the Muhlestein party this past weekend (we missed you!), your mom came into the building and it hit me anew that your dad was gone. I love those get togethers--seeing your family and catching up is very enjoyable to me.
I loved what you said about him waking you up on Saturday mornings! My dad used to do the same thing! And I know his dad did it to him, so it's definitely a family trait.
Thanks for the loving tribute. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
I didn't know your dad (obviously) but that was a touching tribute to him. It made me get all choked up & I am going to call my parents to tell them that I love them & appreciate them. You never know when someone's time is going to be up so it's important to let them know that we love them whenever we can. Thanks for the reminder!
What a great post Holli. He was such a great guy. I don't have specific memories cause we lived by you so long it could take a long time considering I spent alot of time at your house when I was younger. I do remember him cooking us breakfast for that Spring Fling we went together when I took Jesse and we kidnapped the guys in the morning. Good Times. Your Dad would be so proud of you. He will always be with you and your family.
Honey, my heart is full and my eyes are spilling tears of gratitude. I was so blessed when your sweet dad entered my life. He did indeed complete me and giving me you 7 children was frosting on a beautiful Martha Stewart cake!
Any parent would be so thrilled to read what you wrote and how you felt. Forgive me if I don't write about any memories at this time. So many wonderful and funny ones are as much a part of my being as breathing is. He was my reason for living, you kids and my wonderfuln1 grandchildren are that reason now. I love you all so very much.
I never knew your dad, but he had to be a great guy because you are great. Looks like your doing well. When you get a minute check out my blog (thegardnergab.blogspot.com). I put our Christmas card on there hoping it would reach more people. Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing about our dad it really made me thankful for what I have learned from my parents.
We miss you guys and your Dad. When we think of your Dad we are reminded of James Bond Movies and playing games at the dinner table after dinner (after Neil and Trent finished off the gravy :). Whether we are in contact or not we think of your family often and feel blessed to have you apart of our lives. Things seemed so simple way back when.
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