Dad

DAD

In youth he climbed fig trees spreading high up in the sky.

Learning to reach, stretch and grow,

Secure in safe arms of steady branches

And the promise of a cool landing if he fell into the ditch below.

Unafraid, he learned to reach beyond his grasp and to trust.

Because that was who he was.

And he always wanted to do what was right.

Dad matured and excelled in school, work, service, and mission.

Saved from a truck and a sawmill,

He served family, friends, strangers and the Lord.

He trusted Him to provide food, safety, and in the end, a good companion

Who would be his sweetheart for time and all eternity.

Because that was who he was.

He always wanted to do what was right.

Trained to be a teacher, Dad learned to desire improvement,

Always finding more to learn,

He struggled to gain knowledge and perfection.

Ogg Mandino, graduate school, riding a bike for physical fitness,

He tried to keep in shape and become a better person.

Because that was who he was.

He always wanted to do what was right.

Using his Priesthood, he served his wife, his children, his ward.

They loved him for his kindness,

They trusted him because he, too, was human,

Imperfect, making mistakes, stumbling over names and saying the wrong things,

Apologizing, repenting, trying to do better.

Because that was who he was.

He always wanted to do what was right.

Retired, while others relaxed, he worked even harder.

Home builder, missionary.

Trusting that the right words would come through his mouth,

Praying that angels on the other side would recognize their own names,

That God would send him and mom where they were needed most.

Because that was who he was.

He always wanted to do what was right.

One day he will meet Father in a home left long ago.

Family, friends, and heaven,

Will stand with him as Christ presents him to God.

Son, servant, future God, with the image of His countenance in his eyes.

Able to stand with confidence in His presence, because

That is who he will become.

Because he always wanted to do what was right.