Why I love my Dad
I am so lucky to have a Dad who has always been so involved in my life.
Some of my fondest memories with My Dad are when he would pick me up and tickle me and tell me that I was his Abba-dail-big-dirl. Then, he would throw me over his shoulder and carry me around and tell me that I was his "sack of Potatoes." Then, as I was draped over his shoulder and hanging upside down he would say, "Where is Abigail? Has anyone seen Abigail?" When I was with him he would smile and and I knew that he loved and adored me.
I looked forward to the weekends when we would get a movie and watch it at least one weekend night. My Mom and Dad would be snuggled up on the couch like newlyweds holding hands and the kids would pile in wherever they could find a spot. My Dad especially loved the old Pink Panther movies. I think that it will always be a favorite memory of mine sitting and listening to my Dads laughter. It was hard for me not to laugh and enjoy the movie that much more listening to my Dads laughter. I remember telling friends they were so funny and sitting down to watch them and realizing that what really made them funny was listening and watching my Dad and how much he loved them.
When I was 14 or so I was in a little roadshow in church. I got there a little late and so I didn't have time to learn the dance that the girls were doing, so I became the Lead singer (or lead lipsinger) The song was respect. I remember I had this fabulous dress that my Mom wore after she got married and had some great go-go boots on. As I danced across the stage during the show I could see how excited my Dad was and how proud he was of me. I remember He told me that I looked so good up there and that I was such an amazing performer.
When I was having a hard time when I moved away to college I remember my Dad taking the time to talk to me on the phone. I remember I wanted to come home. I didn't know my room mates and everything seemed so different and I didn't want to stay. I told him that I wanted to come back home. He told me to wait 2 weeks and if I still wanted to come home I could. Needless to say He did not see too much of me while I was in college because I ended up LOVING it! But, he was a wise father who gave great counsel.
My Dad taught me to respect myself and to never to anything that I didn't want to do, even if others wanted me to. He taught me to be true to myself and not to try and please others and get others approval. But, to be at peace with myself and be proud of who I was. Sometimes it was hard to do what I wanted to do, when I feared the disapproval of others. But, knowing that my dad believed in me made a huge difference in who I became.
My Dad was always involved in my life driving me to school, coaching my soccer team, taking me on hikes, Football games, special trips to the ice cream store, etc.
I loved the games that he made up for the kids. He would shovel the snow in the back yard when there was a snow storm and make a maze in the snow. There would be a few spots in the maze that were safety zones. The game was called Fox and Geese. It was kind of like a game of Tag. I loved it when it snowed because we would play that for family night. The other game I loved that he made up was "blind mans bluff" He would put a blindfold on and let us all could and then he would crawl around on his hands and knees and try to catch us. He would swing his arms back and forth as if he were an elephant. It was so much fun running and trying to get away from him.
The best part of taking a bath were the great shampoo Mohawks Dad would make in out hair. He would giggle and laugh with us and then pull us out of the bath and show us our reflection in the mirror. It was so much fun. Then, when our bath was finished he would wrap us up in a towel and swing us back and forth and sing "Dumbo elephant, Dumbo Elephant he lived in a great big Zoo. Dumbo Elephant, Dumbo Elephant I'd like to be with you" He would swing me so high back and forth and then dry me off and get me ready for bed. It was so much fun when Dad bathed us.
My Dad really really enjoyed being a Dad and delighted in spending time with us. He read books to us nearly every night, played games with us, sang to us, made the best breakfasts, gave us lots of hugs and kisses, and went above and beyond with everything that he did.
I love my Dad so much and am so grateful that he taught me so many things. But, I have to say that the most important thing he taught me, was the Savior Jesus Christ is real. I don't remember a day that went by without Dad pulling out the scriptures and reading to me, or sharing a special thought that he had about the gospel. He was a living example of following the Savior. I often times would come into his room and find him reading his scriptures or kneeling in prayer. Prayer over the food, prayer before we left the house, prayer when I was having a hard time, prayer at night when He would tuck me in! Thank you for sharing your Testimony with me Dad. I love you!
You are so special in so many ways! I am so lucky to call you Dad. Thanks for all that you do for me!
Abba Dail
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