10. He is funny. He is a great storyteller and always the life of the party. Everyone loves to be around him. He has the best laugh and the best smile. Daniel always says Logan got my Dad's smile, which I couldn't be happier about.
9. He is brilliant. He developed a method to teach children how to read and has been doing just that for decades. His reading program has been implemented in school districts across the country and has taught literally thousands of children how to read (I know all you Frank Zeek kids out there still have all the pal charts memorized!). He himself also loves to read and always has a book and is learning about something new.
8. He loves children. He loves to sing with them, teach them, and just be with them. Most of all I think he loves just making a difference in their lives. He loves what he does and is the perfect example of "if you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life." What other 80 year old man do you know that still gets excited to go to work?
7. He is selfless. I think I mentioned this before, but when he was my seminary teacher he took lukewarm showers for two years so I could have a hot shower every morning. That's just the way he is, always thinking of others before he thinks of himself.
6. He is cultured, yet manly. I asked Daniel what his favorite thing about my dad was and this is what he said. He had never met anyone that showed him you could like music and theater and art, but still love sports and be a guy's guy. It totally changed his opinion about men. That says a lot. It's also something I like about my dad, he's very well rounded and has passed that onto me as well.
5. He's a fantastic Grandpa. I asked Logan what his favorite thing about Grandpa Carl was and he said, "Eating aebleskivers with him and reading stories." Pretty much sums it up. Both my kids adore him. Whether it's playing guitar, cooking, or reading they always want to be around him.
4. He perseveres. My dad has had many health problems throughout his life. We sometimes joke that we are replacing him one body part at a time. But he never lets it limit what he is capable of. Even with two bad knees, two bad hips, and 2 heart attacks, he still climbed to the top of Machu-Picchu. He still served a mission for the Church in England. He still walks everyday and goes to work. There are no limitations for this "Spring Chicken" as I like to call him.
3. He is dependable. In a world full of wishy washy people, my dad stands out as being someone you can count on. He has instilled in me the lessons of the "moral obligation" and "better an hour early than a minute late." I'm forever thankful to him for teaching me the importance of being reliable and fulfilling your duties.
2. He is a man of God. My dad was baptized when I was 7, but he has always been a man of great integrity and spirituality. He has shown me that a testimony is a valuable possession and something worth putting the effort into discovering and maintaining. He is a wonderful example of serving God and man. He is one of the most Christlike people I know.
1. He is caring. Our family recently when through a bit of a hard time. When I was talking to my dad about it, I told him not to worry, that everything would be fine. This is what he said: "I'm not worried. I know everything will be fine. It's just that, you're a very special person to me, and when you feel sad, I feel worse." Tear. He's the sweetest.
Daddy, I love you. I'm the luckiest gal in the world to have you as a dad. Happy Birthday. Here's to 80 more, right? ;)
And PS- You may not take me to school anymore, but I still like your hair!
And PS- You may not take me to school anymore, but I still like your hair!
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