Fathers Day!

Inspired by The Cheerful Blogger I wanted to share some of my thoughts about my father. As I have reflected on what my Father means to me I realize there is more than I could possibly write about. Here a just a few things Dad taught me.

Hard Work Probably some of my first memories of my Dad are of him working. Whether it was on a car, house or yard he seemed to me to always be working. I can see clearly my dad chopping wood at our house in Holbrook, AZ. I remember that as I played in the yard the pile got bigger and bigger. He always provided for our family. Looking back I know there were financially tough times but because he was always willing to work, no matter how long or how hard, I felt as a kid that things were fine. Because he is such a "Do it Yourself" kind of guy I too have always wanted to try it myself kind of attitude. Unfortunately I have not been nearly a successful as he has. Nevertheless I feel grateful for what he taught me.

Honesty Dad always demanded the truth from us. I knew that if I lied I would get in more trouble. For some reason I didn't practice this belief very much, but I did know it. Although I admittedly lied quit often in my youth that didn't mean Dad gave up on me. When I was 16 I was driving down a road when a jogger jumped off the sidewalk into the road. As I swerved to pass her I honked at her. Later she called the police to report that I tried to hit her. As the police pulled up to the house they told us of the claim of this lady. Before the police asked another question Dad turned to me and asked me "Did you try to hit her?' I replied "no." Then he said "What is the speed limit on that road?" I said "35 mph". He turned to the officers and said " I believe my son. The lady is lying." They accepted this and left. Although I had not earned his trust he willing gave it to me again. What a great example of love and forgiveness this was to me.

Being a Father As I now have kids I understand Dad more. I now feel the responsibility and the sacrifice it takes to raise a family. I also learned, through Dad's continued example, to put my wife first. I feel that through my parents examples I understand that no matter what happens the love I have for my wife will always be there. As they say the family is happy if Mom's happy. I believe that through the great relationship of my parents I always felt secure. I looked to them and wanted what they had with each other. I'm happy to say that I got it! This helps to raise a family. There is stability, strength and love as both Father and Mother raise their children. I feel blessed and am grateful to both my parents for giving me this example.

Faith Although Dad may not have gone to church with me throughout my childhood he always embraced the values that church taught us kids. Further more he always taught us be true to our faith. He always told me that if that is what I believe to live it all the way. This made me to commit myself to the gospel. I have much to learn and improve on in this area but I am grateful to Dad for teaching and allowing me to know of the truthfulness of the gospel.

I always saw Dad as Superman. He always seemed bigger, stronger and tougher than others. As I grow older and have children of my own I now know some of the worry, stress, love, happiness, and exhausted feelings he must have felt. Even though I now know he was not perfect and that he has weakness' I don't look at him less then super human. Instead I see him as an example. A person I strive to be like and the person that he wants me to be. That means more to me than an super powers.

The Harper's aren't exactly known for our ability to express our feelings. I don't know if Dad will read this or not. Not sure if he is a "blogger" type, but I wanted to express not only to him but to friends, family and my own kids what kind of father he is to me. I look forward to learning from him for many years to come.