Friday, December 28, 2007

My Dad is da Bomb!


Growing up, I would never in a million years have guessed that I'd have a heading that made that statement. My dad and I did NOT get along well when I was a kid! We are both VERY hard-headed and determined to have our own way. He's a lawyer by profession, so imagine the battle of words we exchanged over the years!!! We locked horns on countless occasions and I was thrilled when college time came around and I moved to another state.
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But my excitement to be away from home and parental authority (or "guidance" as my dad called it!) was very short-lived. About a week after I had been living with roomates who didn't want to clean our apt. or study very much, I gained a great appreciation for all the things my dad had tried to get through my "thick skull" all those years! I called my parents and told them how much I loved them and how grateful I was for all they had taught me.
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From that point on, my relationship with my dad has been totally different. For the first time in my life, I considered him a friend--a good friend. And in the last few years, I've seen an even more remarkable change in him. He's turned into a giant marshmallow, especially when it comes to his grandkids.
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He works for two cities in Utah--full-time for Sandy City as one of their attorneys, and he also works one day a week as a consultant for Logan City. We live right in between the two, so he has started to make it a regular habit to stop by our house on his way up or back, to the absolute *delight* of my kids! He called last night telling me he was on his way and said he'd bring Kentucky Fried Chicken for him and the kids and even babysit while Sam and I went to a dinner party!!!
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I couldn't begin to express in words how I feel about my dad. He's become the father I always wished I had growing up, and I think that is due to change on his part *and* mine. I have more respect and love for him than I ever thought possible. He is truly someone I admire, look up to, and seek advice from. My kids have the most wonderful "Ampy" in the world, and I have SUCH a cool dad.
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Pops, if you're reading this, you're the Best and I LOVE YOU!!!

7 comments:

Marilyn said...

Hi Melissa - I am so glad you had a great Christmas with your family! Amazing how your perspective changes on your family once you have one of your own. I understand about the Dad thing - my Dad and I had lots of misunderstandings over the years too and since having a family, things are so much better - but of course we don't live in the same house either! Much easier to get along that way!! Anyway - so glad that the memories you are making now are happy and wonderful!!

Monica said...

Meliss!
Amen! Dad is "da bomb!" isn't he?!? And now that I have my own little one to be adored and spoiled by his "Ampy," I can attest that there really is nothing better than seeing your parents love their little grandbaby. We're so glad we could be here and celebrate Christmas, and hang out with the folks. I'm realizing that they've become my best friends, and I've missed them so much!

Velta said...

Melissa ~ What a GREAT story you shared with us today...I lost my dad when I was 11 years old. He died from a massive heart attack. He was my hero though...and this story just brings back memories for me. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year to you and yours :)

A.Lee said...

What a sweet post. He sounds like a wonderful dad. I'm one of 5 girls in my family. How fun that you have so many sisters (I read that in an earlier post). Hope you have a wonderful 2008 and I'll check back soon to see what kind of creations the new year brings!

Rosella said...

Happy New Year Melissa! Thank you for sharing this post with us. Sounds so great that you have such a great relationship with your dad. God bless him.

Stampin' Meg said...

Ho wondereful that you now have a such a great relationship with your Dad. It's funny but I had a much better relationship with my Mom once she was diagnosed with Alzheimers-I just stopped arguing with her right then and there!

Unknown said...

Mischief: 4-24-2008
Finally saw your little missive and quite enjoyed it (except for the homely "bald guy" pix)! It is amazing how much we change, isn't it? Got that trait from your Grandpa. I have a different memory of much of this, but we'll leave that for another day. Just keep on being a little better and follow the Savior's teachings. Love, POPS
P.S. Give my kids a hug!