Father (s)

I have been without my father since I was 14 years old. Days like Father's day would come and at times, I would sit and get down while I'd hear others boast about their dads and hear them speak of how lucky they felt for their relationships with them and the continual example they provided. It would leave me with feelings such as: am I less or do I miss out because I don't have that influence and guidance in my own life?

On the other hand, I do enjoy days like Mother's day and Father's day because I will sit and reflect a little more than usual. I especially enjoy that it lies on a Sunday and usually something I learn from church enhances and heals me in ways I'd never see or feel on my own.

In Relief Society we had a wonderful lesson on the Life of Christ. During the lesson, Anya was inspired to have us sit and reflect. One of the posed questions was: what is something about the Savior's life that is meaningful to me? Besides His example, His healing miracles, His Atonement and love for mankind...the one thing that stands out to me is that every single act he did was a teaching moment.

This awakened me to a realization that every single action and word I express will teach others (for better or worse), but also awakened me to what I observe in others that teach me through their actions.

Immediately in pondering those who teach me; great men I am surrounded by came to mind.

First and foremost, my eternal companion. Not only has he always treated me like a queen with kindness, respect, love, and service, he also teaches our family continually through every single act he performs. He always strives to live his best and inspire along the way...and he does.

I am blessed with an amazing father-in-law who is a tremendous example. From day one he has called me daughter, buys me flowers, sings to me, embarrasses me, dances with me, and embraces me like a father would. He taught Jason the importance of women and did it by actions. I am the benefactor of those teachings.

I have an awesome brother who is a great father. I'm amazed when I watch him with his kids and how they look at him. He is their hero. He carries impressive qualities that our father never had. Since he is the only direct male blood relation alive in my life, his opinions and wisdom carry heavy weight for me.

I am surrounded by great men via church and some of my friend's fathers. I am particularly close with one of my friend's family for the past 20 years. His father called me up last month and invited me to lunch. He expressed to me that he never wants me to feel as if I'm without a father figure....that I always have someone to call if I'm in a bind, need encouragement, or someone to bounce ideas off of. I can't express how loved I felt that day. It taught me that family needn't be blood. At times it's a ward family, and at other times it's kind words and actions expressed by those who care.

So although my father isn't here to honor this day, I have so many that I do honor. I am thankful for their example and the continual teaching I receive from them. I am grateful for my relationship with them. And above all, I am grateful for my Heavenly Father who placed these men in my path to help me, inspire me, teach me, and make me feel loved like a daughter should.