Happy Father's Day!

Dear Dad,

Sometimes when I tell people that my father is a truck driver, they often respond by saying "Oh, so you must not see him very much then." I used to nod my head and agree. Then one day I thought, "Well, if it's true that I really don't see Dad that often, how is it that my memory bank is packed and spilling over the brim with memories of doing things with him?" 

There is quite a simple answer to that Dad, and it is one of my very favorite things about you. Whenever you are home, you make sure that we are always doing things as a family. Even if it is just a simple thing like driving to Brigham to get a Slurpee with the grandkids, you are always teaching me that family is the most important thing. Sometimes we just sit on the couch and watch The Andy Griffith Show (well, I should say that I watch The Andy Griffith Show and you "rest your eyes") but those are still some of my favorite memories. I am quite proud of the fact that while most other teenagers at school talk about the silly and superficial sitcoms they follow, I can happily reply that my favorite TV shows are Perry Mason, Hogan's Heroes, The Andy Griffith Show, Green Acres, and many other good-old classics. The saddest part is that they haven't even heard these titles, and I mean "saddest" as a reference to them because they don't know what they are missing out on. 

Another thing that sticks out is the memory of all the 5Ks I have been to in my life. I was about to say "5Ks that I have run in my life," but it's no secret that I haven't always enjoyed them and that I have most often participated a bit less-than enthusiastically. However, I realize now that those memories are always filled with various family members here and there and it's just another reminder to me of how important it is to be with the family. You are always working on ways to make us better people and live our lives in the best way that we can. 

I just realized that if I keep it up like this, I will never finish this letter because so many memories and other qualitites that I love about you keep popping into my head, but I wanted to finish with one of the most important things. I love that you love my mother. I have never doubted that for one second in my life. You are always serving her and planning some sneaky way to surprise her or do something kind for her, and I love participating in these little plots and seeing how happy you make her. Thank you both for being wonderful parents and teaching me the truths of the Gospel. I love you both dearly and I am very excited to see you in a little over a week!

Carol

   ...