Faith & Family: December 2019

This morning, I received word that my parents are once again together again; this time in the eternities, never to be separated. My Dad passed away peacefully this morning, one day shy of my Mom's passing three years ago tomorrow. Their focus, for my entire life, was us as their children, our Loving Savior Jesus Christ, and the temple. I cannot talk about one parent alone without mentioning the other. They were truly as one!

They both led by example in so many ways. They were both so generous and kind and loving. I remember well as I grew up thinking how strict they were. I never regret that. Their example of unending devotion to each other, us as their children, to our Loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, will forever be what I remember. They were both dedicated to building His Kingdom in the small and simple ways.

My Dad has forever been the example of who I want to be. He taught me my most important life lessons:

To love your wife, the mother of your children with true devotion and unequivocal love.
To love God, our Heavenly Father with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.
To love our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
To love your neighbor, giving of your time and substance and self to help them in their journey through mortality.

There is nothing I've wanted more in my life than to be like my Dad in every way I possibly could. I remember looking up to him as a little kid and a teenager and always wanting to do what he did. I'm happy to say I never felt any animosity towards him. He and my Mom were loving, doting, and yes, strict parents. Their every action showed that love.

I had the wonderful opportunity to Home Teach with my Dad to wonderful families and ward members. His kindness to them was shown as he replaced a widow's water heater, her roof, had me mow her lawn. He reached out to those who struggled with their testimonies, lending and giving them books to strengthen them and give them hope.

I remember well the time spent working with him at our Beach House in Newport Beach, Calif. Everytime we went there for a few days, the first thing he would do is pull out his stake directory and ask "Who should I call to invite down for a few days?" His generosity was readily apparent as he offered the home to newlyweds who couldn't afford a honeymoon.

He would hire so many different people for so many different jobs to help them have an opportunity to earn some (generous amounts of) money and keep their dignity: recently-called missionaries, young marrieds, struggling college students, elderly and retired individuals. He would have them paint around the house, build cabinets and furniture, help with various duties at his small business; anything to give them work that would help them on their way.

He was generous to a fault with the family business. Besides the full-time employees, he would also hire individuals and groups for part-time, temporary work. Most of his employees were so devoted due to his generosity and fairness as an employer, and his desire to help them have an honest and worthwhile career.

We spent oh so many hours fixing up the Bay Boat, his greatest love, second only to my Mom and the Lord. He was a sailor at heart. He loved to cruise the world and see the ocean.

Dad, I love you with all my heart and am so happy and content that you and Mom are together again, in the eternities. Until we meet again...