A letter from Anne — June 2002
I received this Fathers’ Day letter from Anne in June of 2002. No explanation is necessary as to why I have included it in my journal. I am so grateful for the occasional “pick-me-ups” that come along in this life.
June 2, 2002
Dearest Dad,
It’s not that often I get to sit down and write my feelings for you. I know it should be more and I’m sorry. Well, I’m all grown up and looking back at my life and thinking of all the things I’ve been taught — I feel like there isn’t one thing you or mom could have done better. I admire you two so much. I couldn’t even dream of better parents and examples to me. Your two slots that me and my husband will have to fill is an enormous burden but I feel that I will just need to reflect on the lessons and examples I was shown by my parents and I will do great! I feel so bad at times for not being an outstanding daughter for you and mom. I hope that by the way I’ve chosen to live my life will be a little payback to you and mom. I know I’m always in debt to you but I hope I will slowly pay that back to you. I realize how fortunate I am that the Lord has allowed me the wonderful blessing of having you and mom as parents. I know that the reason why I was placed in your hands is because it will take extra special parents and spirits to raise a child like me. I believe that sincerely.
Over the past few months, I’ve noticed a lot of little things that you and mom do that I hope I can pass on to my children. The main thing is the gospel – I can’t even explain what you’ve done for my testimony. I’ve never met or even seen someone more dedicated to the Lord’s church. That’s one thing for sure I’ll never forget about you. Second is your love and respect for mom. I have been alive for 19 years now and I have never heard you and mom fight, not even once. Do you know how much this really has meant to me? I’ve never thanked you but I can’t even tell you how grateful I am for this. I just pray that I can even have half the relationship you and mom have. Thank you! Third would have to be your work ethic you’ve taught and shown me. I’ve never met a harder worker. You have taught me to follow through, get the job done on time, and do it 100%. I can honestly say that throughout school I have never turned in an assignment late or not completed an assignment well. I owe that all to you. I learned this lesson very young and I am grateful for that. I know that’s one main reason I did so well in school. It’s not because I’m smart, because I am far from that, but I just cared. Fourth would be your example and love for us as a family. Dad, you are great. There are a million things more I could say and everyday I realize more and more. But I love you so much. You have provided way more than is expected from a parent and I will eternally be grateful to you and mom. I hope you know how much you affect and mean to me in my life. Happy Fathers’ Day to the best. Love, Anne
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