Father's Day

As I was perusing other people's blogs tonight, I noticed a common thread. Perhaps there is an excess of love for men today, or more realistically, it's Father's Day so we are thinking about our husbands and fathers and how much they do for us. So, since Bryce is up in Park City presenting at a conference for his work (yes, only chemists would schedule a conference over Father's Day), I have free reign to write whatever I want about him without any sort of censoring. Oh, the power. Use it wisely, Cathi, use it wisely.

I guess I'll begin with two pictures. First, Bryce in Hawaii taking our niece, Grace, to the pool. He had no idea I was taking this, since, if he had, he would have put a hand up (see picture #2).

It is with our nieces and nephews that I see glimpses of what Bryce will be like when we have our own kids someday. He is always so loving and kind towards them. He will play all of their silly games and go to extraordinary lengths to make sure they are happy. I know there will never be a lack of laughter in our home. Yet I also know that he will nurture them, help them to grow up to be responsible, and hopefully, love the Lord and have a desire to serve Him as they follow their father's example. I anxiously, but patiently, await for those days to come. Thanks Bryce for always making me happy and putting up with me when I frustrate you (trust me, this is a frequent event and Bryce is very, very patient). I love you with all my heart. Happy Father's Day.

And next, my father. (This part will probably be a lot longer seeing as I've got 24.5 years of memories to draw from.) It seems fitting to have two pictures of him as well. The first is on top of St. Peter's Basilica (the Vatican) when he, my mom, and Joy came to pick me up from my mission. He looks happy but try to get him to let go and look over the edge and you'd realize how tightly he was gripping that masonry. Second, is obviously, from my wedding. It almost makes me cry every time that I see it.

I really appreciate everything my dad has done for my sisters and me. He has worked so hard to provide for us, and for that we are all truly grateful.

But, more than the temporal help, he has been a great dad. It's been a few years, but we used to watch old 8mm films of us when we were little. I still remember the one where he was playing bucking bronco with us. We would climb on his back and he would try to bounce us off. We never won.

Of course there are the daddy-daughter dates, the numerous AFA hockey games where I could get a sip of Coke from him if I begged long enough, and plenty of mini-golf (which he always won, of course). As we got older, I recall him coming to our lacrosse games when he could. It's not easy to get away from his work, but as much as I generally played worse with him there, I still appreciated seeing him in the crowd. My favorite was when Joy's team played mine (we went to separate high schools). She was on offense and I was the goalie so he was always hoping that Joy wouldn't score on me. She never did, but her team beat us every time, so I'm not bragging.

Dad's never been a man of many words, but there's a lot to be understood in what he doesn't say. I am grateful for his commitment to the gospel, and as we've grown, I think we've seen it, especially as he serves in the temple. I also know he loves my mom and my sisters and me and that he would do anything for us. I love him very much and hope he really does know how much we all honor him, especially today. Love you Dad.