Current Obsession!

Maybe it is because it stars Katherine McPhee and I LOVED her in American Idol! 

Daddy's Little Girl!

I honestly think that I am my Dad’s Favorite Girl…  Now, now, sisters – before you get in a tizzy, let me put forth a few examples. 

My father would pull us into his room and give us lecture # 73 – The Tree of Life.  I quickly learned to say I was lost in the Mists of Darkness/Sin and if that didn’t work to pray that my mother would come and break up the four-hour lecture.  I think that my father gave those lectures to me because he wanted to show the other siblings that he wasn’t treating me as his favorite. 

When I wasn’t getting lectures from my father I was working by his side.  I always felt like one of the boys growing up because I helped my father with the farm work, building water pivots, outdoor work, going to farms to “take care” of animals that I would later help cut up and wrap. 

I will never forget the time I learned what my father meant when he was always telling me not to wear loose clothing when changing water lines.  I refused to go out looking like I was working on a farm because I never knew when the neighbor boy would drive by in his tractor!  I realized a little to late that the stylish poncho he kept telling me not to wear was caught in the motor for the water line and my stomach was inches away from being ripped open…  Lo and behold who should drive by but my father!  At first he thought I was just waving to say hello but then realized that something was wrong and leaped from the tractor – I don’t think he even put the brake on!!  That day my father literally saved my life!  He was my hero! 

I also recall the time that we moved into their current house and my brother and I were helping put the barbed wire fence up.  I was in charge of holding the spool of wire – foolishly thinking I would safe if anything happened.  The line my father was tightening ended up breaking and flinging back to find a resting place in my back and shoulder.  My mother decided at that moment to walk out of the house to come over and check on us, my dad looked at me and said not to cry.  We pulled the wire off my back and quickly went back to work; I dared not speak in fear of giving away any sign of pain.  I think my dad was a little scared of my mom!  ;)  Therefore, I was his hero!

I will always remember my dad walking into my room, a month before I was to leave for Bryce Canyon, and literally “helping” me pack my bags.  Then a month later, after visiting me in my new location, giving me a hug and not wanting to let go! 

Sitting here typing this I realized my father has taught me a lot over the years.  He taught me to drive at the young age of twelve.  He taught me how to fish, shoot a gun, play the organ, conduct music (I love conducting MoTab on the radio with you Dad – we are pretty good at it too!), how to work hard, hum while you work, honesty and love. 

Dad, this Father’s Day I want you to look at all of your children and realize just how lucky we are to have you as a father.  I don’t think that you realize what an amazing man you have become over the years.  We have had some rough patches (note that was because of my other siblings – not because of me, the perfect daughter) but we got through them and grew as a family.  Together.  And that is how I picture the years going forward to be like for us…  Well, after the others get over the jealousy of my being your favorite.  J

I love you, you old fart!