The Dad of my Children and the Dads to my Grandchildren

I am very blessed to have had the BEST two men in my life--(and now with 4 sons and 1 son in-law and 3 grandsons) I guess I will have to say the BEST 9 men in my life. As I just stated, my Dad has been such a good Dad. Now as Ray Lynn requested so long ago, I want him to know how truly good I think he is. I have enjoyed being married to him for now 34 years. I know that makes me very old and him even older. BUT, it has been a pleasure to married to a good man like he is. His greatest goal is to be good, to serve Heavenly Father, me, our children and grandchildren and all those he works with to the Best of his ability. That is the very best goal anyone can have. He is a hard worker and gives 110% in all he does and very seldom complains. I don't know how he does it.
Katelyn tells me, "Grandpa always says see you in the funny papers, every time." When I said that to her, she said, "No, Grandpa says that." He has found so many funny things to do with each child and grandchild that makes him so much fun, and the kids always want more. I remember watching out the window as he played HORSE with Matt, and thanking Heavenly Father that we had a Dad who was willing to take time to play.
When Camarie came, and she had such a hard time feeling happy. He would bounce like Tigger around the house with her in his arm or sing and gently pat her back. What a calming influence he had on her.
For Michaels 4th birthday, all he wanted was a hammer and pound of nails so he could pound like his Dad. And pound away they did.
Melissa and her Dad used to rub each other's feet and I wondered how old she would be before she stopped cuddling up on her Dad's lap. (About when Rich came along) When she had her surgery it was her Dad she wanted sitting beside her bed.
When Dave had his hernia surgery, he wouldn't let me hold him at all-even though it brought tears to my eyes, it was his Dad that held and rocked him. He even had to take the day of work, because Mom wouldn't do.
As John was born, I didn't think Ray Lynn would ever go home from the hospital so I could get some sleep. He just sat there talking to this brand new gift from heaven.
Now as I watch, Dave, Mike, and Rich with their little ones, I will tell you there is nothing more precious to a mother's heart than seeing her grown men sons, be loving and gentle to their little ones so much like their father. Dave at Jocie's fairy party, Mike growling like a lion to Quincy, and Rich combing the snarls out of Nicole's hair--little tender gifts to me in my life.
Saturday night, Matt was giving Jace a bath and making it so much fun just like Dad used to in days gone by. You kids would only let Dad wash your hair-never Mom.
John is the best hide and seek player with his nieces and nephews and so I know the torch will continue to be passed from Dad to son--what great men we have in our families. I love and appreciate each one of you.

Dads

When I read John's blog about his Dad, I thought this would be a great opportunity to comment on my Dad.
When I was a little girl, I thought my Dad was the most handsome, amazing person in my life. I loved going with him, and doing anything with him. I remember when we were building the fence around our home, he let me help him hold the boards while he drew lines on them and then cut them. I felt like I was worth a million dollars. Since he had worked in the shoe department at Penny's he was very good at fitting shoes. So most of the time he would take me to get a new pair of shoes. Two pair of shoes I remember well were a pair of Black Velvet Dress shoes when I was probably about 8. I thought they were the most beautiful shoes I had ever seen, and that my Dad was so good to me to purchase them for me. I got my first pair of heels when I was in 8th grade. They were tan with a bow on the top. I couldn't believe my Dad would let me have heels. He was so good to me.
Dad always made me feel very important to him. He was very busy, but I never felt like he didn't have time for me. Often before or after dinner he would lay down on the living room floor in the dark and have a little rest. I loved laying down beside him, sometimes we would listen to Rachmaninoff's Concerto. Those are still wonderful memories.
When Ray Lynn and I were married, I would always say: "My Dad did this, or My Dad does it this way, or My Dad is so good." One day Ray Lynn said, "I hope someday you will think I am good like your Dad." Dad is still such a great example to me, and I feel very blessed to have had such a good Dad, as my Dad. Thanks Dad.