Fathers

Even though Father's Day has passed, I will not forget about fathers, especially mine. I have many fond memories of my dad, and I looked up to him...still do. He was such a good example to me and my siblings while we were growing up, and even more after we were all grown. He is my hero, though he's been gone for 14 years now. I remember sitting by his garden with him and having good discussions, playing music with him (he played harmonica and I played guitar) at home and in the Southern Utah Folklife Festival, singing duets in the car on trips or sitting at home, riding in the back of his blue 3-wheel Cushman scooter, and listening to stories of his experiences when he worked on the trails and tunnel in Zion National Park. He was an inventor, hard worker, carpenter, jack-of-all-trades, spiritual giant, great father, and wonderful grandpa! I learned so much from Dad and I knew I could talk to him about anything. I knew he loved me and didn't judge me. Everyone loved him, too. In my estimation he was perfect! He lived an honest life, and was rich in the ways that counted. He died a month and a half short of being 91. I will always miss his infectious laugh and good natured humor. Someone asked me if it was a relief after he died and I told them, 'No!' Just because he was older means that I had him longer to love and share memories with. If anything, I miss him more because I knew him better!  Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, even if it is a belated one!