Growing up I never doubted if my dad absolutely loved and adored my mom. I saw him support, encourage, kiss, hold, surprise, lead, understand, laugh, offer honesty, loyalty, patience, compassion, appreciation and understanding for her.
I was spoiled because I grew up being able to enjoy and worry about the “normal things” of life because I trusted and felt secure about my life at home especially about my parents marriage. I now see how I was able to focus instead on my extra curricular activities, school and friends because my family foundation was strong.
I know that when my parents got married they had no idea she would get diagnosed with cancer and not be able to enjoy the retirement life after sacrificing and raising busy kids together. But watching my dad care for my mom in such a self sacrificing and tender way until she took her last breath is the greatest gift I have ever been given. At her funeral a friend shared a time at church my mom had dozed off because of the effort it made to get there combined with the medicine she was taking. People watched as my dad carefully sat to make her comfortable while gazing at her peaceful face. There is no doubt he absolutely loved her even more in that moment. Not because of the way she looked or because of her capabilities and talents but because of how much he had always served her with love through all their marriage.
I love how Elder Jeffrey R. Holland from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints shares “True love blooms when we care more about another person than we care about ourselves…That is Christ’s great atoning example for us, and it ought to be more evident in the kindness we show, the respect we give, and the selflessness and courtesy we employ in our personal relationships.”
My dad has always said “The greatest gift you can give your children is to show them how much you love their mom.” I am so blessed for his great example. He has been able to love and be a blessing to my step mom and repeat the same great attributes. I appreciate his example to my children of how to love and treat women.
Happy Fathers Day dad!