Father's Day!

Yesterday I reflected so much about the wonderful men in my life. I feel so lucky to have wonderful examples of support, hard, work, testimony, strength, care, love, devotion, the list could go on and on. As I reflected I realized many of the father figures in my life have passed on and are no longer with us. I am so very lucky to have my wonderful father around to love and spend time with. I cherish those times even more now that I do not live close to my father. 

My dad is one of the most special people to me. He is kind and caring. He is helpful. He is smart. He is talented and gifted. He is strong. He can fix just about anything. He is loyal. He is a man of God. He is a man of service. He is giving. He is loving. He has taught me so much. These pictures only show some of the wonderful memories I have with my dad. He devotes so much time to helping his family and others. I have wonderful memories of my dad fixing stuff for us growing up. Going on family bike rides or little hikes. I always loved going happy with my dad and seeing how excited he gets. We can not play games without my dad singing and having a good time. I remember when we were little and we would take our baths on Saturday nights before church my dad would always brush our hair and we would watch cops together. I am so very grateful for him I just do not know what I would do without my dad and I feel so lucky. 

At times like this I miss my grandpa Don a lot. He was such a kind man. He loved to tell stories and spend time with us. We always knew he loved us even though he didn't like to say it. Every time we would say it, he would just say uh-huh. I do not think I realized how special my grandpa was until my grandma Lorraine passed away. He loved us so much and he always wanted to be with his family. A week before he died I took the opportunity to go and visit him. I brought him dinner and just wanted to talk to him. I am so glad I took that time to be with him. Those are some of my greatest memories with him. His legs had filled with a lot of fluid and he was in a lot of pain. (even though he didn't show it) I took the time to rub his legs for him to try to make him more comfortable. You could tell he appreciated it so much and I just felt lucky to be with him. I am so lucky I had a grandpa who took the time to be with us, who set a great example, who loved my grandmother in such a beautiful way, and who worked hard to provide for his family and taught my dad many of the skills he knows now. I am so glad for the memories. I can remember before Courtney was born going to his house in Stockton. He had a wood shop and let me pick out whatever I wanted to paint with my grandma. He cut it out for me and seemed so willing and excited to do so. I loved playing games with my grandpa. I will always miss him but am so grateful we are an eternal family and that I will see him again. 

 My GrandpapaHorace Vearl Johnson

I am sad I could not kind a picture of my great grandpa but I feel so lucky that I had him in my life and was so close to him. He passed away 10 years ago. It is hard to believe he has been gone so long. He was such a special grandpa to me. I was lucky enough to be able to go to church with him every Sunday. He would always bring us homemade bread and he would always have treats in his pocket for us to enjoy during church. He was a strong man and a great example of faith. He was so special to make blankets for all his grandchildren and even for people in the ward when they would have a baby. He lived a happy life even though he lived alone for several years after his wife passed way. I look forward to the day that I get to meet my grandmama. He was always very healthy. I can remember up until a few months that he passed away he would take the bus to the gym everyday even though he couldn't drive anymore. I will always love my grandpapa and am so glad I can see him again. 

My grandpa keith is my mom's dad. He is a very thoughtful grandpa. He called me regularly to tell me how much he loves me and how special I am to him. He always is so nice to be around and is always happy no matter his pain. He has great stories even if he makes them up. I love my grandpa Keith and am lucky to still have him with us even though he lives far away from me. 

Grandpa Ted

My grandpa Ted is no longer with us but he was a great grandpa. I am grateful for his support. He was always there for our events and he took good care of my grandma Sue. I am grateful for his example of serving a mission. He always had a lot of animals and took the time to let us ride his horses and spend time with the animals. 

BSC Mahina will always be a special dad to me. He lived across the street from me my whole life growing up. He was always willing to let me join his family on trips and outings. He always made me feel loved by making jokes about me and calling me fally. He was so special to me and I could always go and talk to him for hours and he would listen. I love him and feel lucky to have so many funny wonderful memories of him. He would always make me laugh and I look forward to the day I can see him again. 

I am so lucky that i found a wonderful husband. He may not be a father yet and really it is up to heavenly father if he will be a father but he is a great father figure and I am so grateful for him. Tommy keeps me safe, protects me, makes me feel loved and beautiful everyday. He loves me unconditionally and puts up with my flaws and shortcomings. He helps me be better and he pushes me. He honors his priesthood and works hard to provide for our family. He doesn't let things stop him or get in his way. He pushes himself and is someone I could never live without. He is such a blessing in my life and I am grateful for the example and love he shows to my siblings, nieces, and nephews. I am so blessed to be sealed to this man for time and all eternity.