Dad

Parents are important. Yesterday I was visiting teaching and speaking to my 80 year old friend Gloria about my Dad. She happened to mention that she thought he was really handsome. She had seen him in church one Sunday when he came to visit me. I told her the story of his dating after my mother passed away. He invited his four women friends to lunch together and Kent tagged along. They were all surprised to find that they were not the only one. Marva took it in stride and was able to laugh about it later. I wonder what they other women thought. Dad ended up married to Marva and he is happy to not be single.

I am grateful for all the ways that my Dad has been there in my life. I have wanted more of his attention at some times than he was willing to give, but can't be helped now. However, he has gone on some pretty fun vacations with me and my family. We have been to picnics in National Parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, visited foreign countries, fished on the Columbia River, walked along the Grand Canyon, and have voyaged through the Alaskan Wilderness. There are so many places that we have been together. I guess most of all I am grateful that he has taken the time to spend with me.

One memory that I have of my Dad is the day he baptised me. We were living in Daly City California and I was 8 years old. Grandpa Derrick was the Stake President so I 'thought' I was pretty important. I chuckle about that now because I was just a little girl who didn't know very much about life. We had an opening exercise in the Primary Room and walked to the other side of the church to the baptismal font. I don't remember if the water was warm or cold but I do remember that Dad baptised and confirmed me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that day. It was a very important day and he did a perfect job.