Father's Day Tributes

Must have been in a funk Saturday from parenting. After you remind about responsibilities for the umpteenth time and still get nothing done, it wears a bit. On this Father's Day, I do have a few tributes:
My Father- So many lessons learned-
quality workmanship: I remember learning how to
operate the farm equipment, and the pride he has for the beauty of a fresh cut hay
field done right.
love of nature: hunting, cutting wood, picking huckelberries, moving pipe in some of the
greatest work environments ever. Then the trips to Yellowstone or Jackson Hole, or Scout
Outings, cutting Christmas trees.
teaching: Dad had a way of focusing the family lessons that really mattered to him. I still
remember some of the stories he read to us, not the details of the stories, but the
reverence in his voice.
work hard/play hard: when you work hard, you have to seek times to stop and enjoy the
journey, especially with your family.
My Granddad-
love-married for 75+ years and still held hands, still courting my grandmother with car
rides out and about, still visiting favorite restaurants together. Even though they passed
away several years ago, their lives seem irrevocably etched in mine.
My Father-in-law-
consultations about career and post-graduate ideas, time spent with grandkids, church
leadership, helping out on special days, helping family to cope with loss, how to have a
sense of humor and still maintain dignity and respect. My inlaws are just as valuable to me
as my own parents.
There are several others who, though not my father or otherwise directly related deserve tribute: Mr. Nelson, my friends' fathers, Basil Crane, scoutmasters from growing up and several bishops and many others. Thank you all for being so influential in my journey and offering up your guidance along the path.