MyMike is camera shy. Well, actually he's just a reserved personality, but for his children, he makes exceptions. Since March Mike has been going to baseball games and practices, taking LittleBuddy to his first Little League experiences. I've come when I can, but truly Mike has made it 75% of the time, and me, more like 25%. They've spent time after games practicing some more, at home, at the fields, at the park. Today was the end of season pool party/coach appreciation party. There are a lot of dads, about six, who serve as "coaches" for this team with one head coach. Mike hasn't been one of them. The head coach has done a great job with the boys. The other "coaches," well, with a couple I've wondered if they're trying to channel themselves back into their sons, so intense they've been. Not MyMike. Win, lose, or lousy, he just supports everything. Never falls apart over a missed catch or goes crazy over a spectacular hit, just sends the message whenever our boy looks over - a subtle nod, a look, a grin, an encouraging word. Implied is - It's just a game, and if you're there, I'm there. Have fun and do your best, and that's good enough.
So today at the party, its the boys against the dads at wuffleball. Our boy is LOVING the pool, but his dad didn't bring his suit, so he's playing ball. When our boy notices this, he's eager to join the game. When the coach handed the ball to Mike to pitch, I thought, surely he'll decline, but he didn't. So there he was, having fun, and his son commenting on the way to the car, this has been one of the best days EVER! He had a great season,a great day, and great fun with his dad.
MyMike loves his children. They are the reason he works so hard. He will break out of his shy mold for them. I would have to say that being a dad has truly been the best thing that has ever happened to him. In turn he teaches our children what it means to work hard, have discipline, think, and be responsible. They are all better for having his example.
My Dad was just here to visit less than a week ago. It was so wonderful, and so sad when he and my mom are gone. This weekend they're spending a few days with my brother in San Francisco, his wife, and their newest addition - born June 10. The pics I've seen are so darling. . . just wishing I was kissing those sweet cheeks, and rocking him to sleep too.
My dad is one of the most gentle men I know. And truly is Always a gentleman. He taught me what it means to show respect for myself and to others. He is interested in others and never calls attention to himself. We used to tease him that he was the last one to the car after church because he loves to visit with everyone, from the janitors to the teenagers to the widows. He always knows their names, he gives an encouraging word, and genuinely listens to what they say. I remember once going to the hospital with him to visit someone when I was a teenager and I was thinking to myself, I would have no idea what to say right now, and my dad had the most comforting words. I mentally took notes, and learned that true heartfelt caring is all that is needed to connect. He has always been an honorable man. I have always felt a great deal of respect for him. He carries a sense of duty and honor with him that is reassuring in its consistency. There isn't a time when I talk with him anymore that he doesn't remind me of how much he loves and appreciates me. With that unconditional acceptance, I know I am so, so blessed.
When he retired from being a United Airline pilot I wrote a few words under the heading, "The Clothes Make the Man." He enjoyed it, so for him, and those who know him and love him, here it is again.
My dad wore a hat as part of his pilot's uniform. We knew how much he valued his job and my mother because the first thing he did when got home from a flying trip was to put his hat upon the highest shelf in our coat closet, then go find my mom to give her a kiss. That pattern was repeated every single time for 36 years. What a blessing to live in a home where respect was given to my mother. I don't think she's ever pumped a gallon of gas as he always makes sure her car has enough gas. In little and thoughtful ways, he is a man of respect.
My dad wears white Sunday shirts and a full suit every Sunday of his life. He goes to church to serve, and much service he's given. He never complains or shrinks from any responsibility. My dad examplifies humility before the Lord, and is a true servant/leader. When I asked him once why he was the way he was, his easy response was, he doesn't know any differently. Truly its just who he is, a giver not a taker.
My dad was a hard worker, and each job required a different outfit. If it was his profession, it was the required United uniform, which changed somewhat over the years, but was always crisp, ironed, and clean, with much appreciation to my mother. If it is a day in the yard, he wears jeans and his causal shoes. He loves to spend time outdoors, tending to his little plot of earth. He has always taken great care of his environment, both physically and spiritually. Some of his favorite moments are just enjoying a beautiful view or driving along a road he's never seen before. He has a natural sense of adventure, but always couples that with responsibilty to leave things better than he found them.
When he dresses in khakis that means he's heading out - perhaps lunch or an appointment or shopping. My dad takes great care in his appearance, never wanting to underdress when perhaps something nicer would have shown more respect and appreciation. My dad is one of the most appreciative people I know. For someone who has most everything, he doesn't take things or people for granted.
Another item I want to point out is my dad's watch. He does't wear an expensive brand, but he always wears one. He is punctual and thoughtful of others' time. I remember one Christmas when one of my brother's and he both received a new watch among their presents. My brother looked at my dad's and liked his better. When my dad realized that, he just handed over the nicer watch that had been given to him, and said to my brother, here you can have it. I was stunned, but I don't know why. My dad appreciates nice things, but he is like that. He's happiest when he's making other people happy. When I see him looking at his watch, I am reminded what true happiness is all about.
My dad has always worn glasses, just not for the camera. He even got new glasses when he was here visiting me. My dad has a vision that exceeds the here and now. He has a great perspective that no matter how bad things may be in the world or in my own personal life, my dad has always reflected a gentle calm that, "in the end things will always work out, just keep doing your best." He speaks with compassion, and because I've heard those words a thousand times, and he's lived them, I believe them. He's steady and stable because he sees so clearly what matters and what doesn't.
Last, but not least, is my dad's white clothes. I first saw him wear all white on the day he baptized me. I knew then that it was a very special day because he had dressed differently. In the temple I've been with him in all white too, and I have to say that no where is my dad wearing his truer colors and an outfit more becoming to his true nature, than when he is clothed in the color of purity and cleanliness. He is a man of great integrity and honor.
My dad is a great example to me. I love him dearly and am so very grateful that he is my dad!
Here is my garden. It has exceeded my expectations already, just because its growing so well! I could not have done it without myMike helping to finish it after I'd already spent ten hours with MyGirl working on it at the very beginning. When my dad was here he was as excited as I was each day to come see its progression. How blessed I am! The large leaves in the lower right hand corner are twice the size you see them now. They are my zucchini plants, and I kid you not, when I measured them yesterday they were 14inches across. I wish I'd taken a before pic, but I was just too tired at the begining. They were maybe three inches across. And, my green tomatoes number over a dozen. Thanks to the men in my life for helping and encouraging me so much! Another creative endeavor enjoyed!!!
