Thursday, October 16, 2008

My Dad, the Hero.

I went out and bought Indiana Jones yesterday and once again I saw my dad looking out at me from the cover. We had a cereal box with Indiana Jones on it for awhile and I felt like I was having breakfast with my dad every day. Indiana Jones reminds me of my dad. The way he looks, runs (I'm not sure if he really runs like my dad but I always associate his run with my dads), his jokes, and the way he always saves the day! Ever since I was little I've thought my dad was a superhero. He used to tell us that he could fly and that when my mom was sick or having a baby or something (can't remember) he picked her up and flew her to the hospital. Every morning when he left for work and walked by our front windows he would put his arms in the air and jump like he was taking off. I LOVED it when he did that. He had a way of making us believe things that just couldn't be. EVERY year on April Fools Day he would come in early in the morning and say that there was an escaped elephant in our front yard!!! Or a dinosaur, or a giraffe - whatever he felt like saying - and we ALWAYS crawled out of bed to go see. As I got older he became my hero in a different way. I was well aware of how well he knew the scriptures and watched him pray by the side of his bed my whole life. When my mom died, I watched him take on the trial of being a single dad - making food - transporting us here and there - doing laundry - dealing with me turning 16 and dating - and dealing with dating himself. I can look back and see what a horrible year that must have been for him. I'm so glad he found Angie. She's been just what we've needed and is now my very best friend. I've always been grateful for the way he dealt with me during my teen years. The letters he's written to me are treasures that I always keep close. I hardly ever get to talk to my dad on the phone but I know he loves me and I hope he knows how much I love him and how grateful I am for the example he's been to me all my life. Thanks Dad!

Imagine him with a grim smirk and a dirty face and a hat - don't deny. He's totally Indiana Jones.


6 comments:

John and Lisa said...

I didn't plan on crying this morning...but...reading your post...mission accomplished! What a nice tribute to your dad this morning. You are absolutely right, your dad is a true hero. I will never forget that year your mom got sick and then died, and the heartache I felt for all of you and for your dad. What a blessing for you and your siblings, that he is your dad! He somehow managed to get himself and his kids through a very dark time. And what a blessing that he and Angie found each other! Thanks for giving me a nice way to start the day!

Mandi said...

That was so sweet. Seeing that picture of your dad made me feel so tender. I love your dad. He was definitely patient with me when I practically lived at your house my senior year. What a great man. I am so glad that you have him and that he has you. Hilarious about the Indiana Jones thing. He totally is Indi. I love you!

Anonymous said...

im not gonna lie britt i agree however i see dad and steve martin as excactly the same person! they tell the same goofy jokes and move their body and stuff the same :) i love you! email me! or call! i am so excited for you little boy!-tessa

John and Anna said...

Britt, I love you! That was a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing that with us. (I can see the resemblance.)
Anna

Kimberly said...

That was so sweet! And yes, I think he looks like Indiana Jones too!!

Rachel and Jared said...

We just rented Indian Jones! Who wouldn't want a father like that? Don't worry about the apple peeler, actually I haven't even thought about it. let me know if you want help.

Rachel