Dad,
Hey, best man. From the time I was little you NEVER missed a
single event that I was involved in. Not only were you there, but you were my
coach, my biggest fan, and my best teammate. You have coached me in soccer,
basketball, and softball for many years. I’ll never forget the softball
championships we won even when the other team was stacked with comp players when you leaped over the railing after I face-planted at my track meet or the
time when I scored 6 goals in my Brigham City soccer tournament and you told me
that I play really good in the rain and from that day forward I believed it.
Let’s not forget about the Portuguese farting rat, the Halloween spook houses,
the birthday party obstacle courses, the hunting trips, the parade floats, the
soccer golfing, or the countless family vacations. Now if all these things
don’t prove to you what kind of a parent you are, I don’t know what does. Not
only were you the most supportive Dad I have ever known, but you taught me a
lot about character. You taught me how to be assertive. You taught me how to
respect people, how to talk to people, and how to work harder than I ever
thought I could. You taught me how to be productive, and proactive, and set my
expectations high. The biggest lessons I have learned have always been from
your example. The reason I chose this picture is it shows a lot about the
person you are. Here you are flying in a small airplane with the hopes of
someday becoming a pilot for when you and Mom live in Alaska. If there has been
anyone that has taught me how to dream big, it’s you. I love you Dad.
Mom,
Aunt Jan told me that when you were a little girl she
worried about you because she felt like one day you wouldn’t be around anymore
because you would have been taken straight up into heaven. Translated on the
spot. I couldn’t agree more. I hope that someday I can be half the mom that you
are to me. You have been involved so much in my life from my school activities,
sports, dances, officer activities, art projects, piano lessons, art lessons,
and singing lessons. Being away at college hasn’t changed anything because you still
always answer my calls within the first few rings. You always listen when I
need to be heard, encourage me when I feel like “the elephant is just too big,”
or laugh when I need a little sunlight in my life. I have never known of anyone
that has a heart of gold like you do and in it, there is room enough for
everyone. Let’s not forget all the lunches you have made for me, the trips to
Michaels for all the art supplies I “needed,” the track meets, the soccer
games, or the officer campaigns. By the way you live, we all know of your
testimony and conviction in the gospel. If I can love people on my mission half
as much as you love, I know I will be successful. I chose this picture because
it clearly demonstrates the Christ-like love that you have for others. I love you, Mom.
You guys are my best friends and the best siblings I could ever ask for. Sorry, my time is running out, but know that I will always be here for you.
LOVE, Tawnie
