Dear Dad,

I've just been thinking.

Do you remember when I was a little girl, and you took me on a daddy-daughter date?  We went out to lunch.  And you took me shopping.  I didn't know it then, but you hate shopping.  I found a ridiculous pair of bright pink shoes, splattered with every imaginable color of neon paint.  I loved them.  And you bought them for me.

Maybe you don't remember.
But I do.

Do you remember when I was a kid, and we drove all the way to Las Vegas for Christmas at Grandma's house?  One of the little boys needed Mom's attention for a while, so I got to spend the last hours of the drive sitting in the front seat next to you.  I was absolutely thrilled.  We sang along to the Carpenter's Christmas album, anticipated our holiday traditions, and watched for the almost-there sign of city lights.

Do you remember when I was a grumpy, moody teenager, and we got in an argument where I really yelled at you?  I was too embarrassed and humiliated to leave my room the rest of the evening, and I was prepared for some unpleasant consequences.  You didn't get upset at all.  You came down and sat on my bed just to talk, and to tell me you loved me.

Do you remember when I was in high school, and I got to call my AP Physics teacher Daddy?  I'd been spending more time talking to my friends than studying, and I failed one of your tests.  You were upset this time, and I knew it was because I hadn't done my best.  We spent the school day in a silent-treatment fight.  I expected disappointment to be waiting for me at home, and instead returned to a bouquet of flowers on the kitchen table.  For me, from you.            

Do you remember when I was in college, and I came home for Sunday dinner and game night?  I had escaped to the living room for some quiet time, and was looking through a book of pictures and testimonies of Christ, and you came in to chat.  We talked about the gospel.  You shared with me the words of Elder McConkie that had influenced your own understanding and testimony of our Savior.

Do you remember when I was supposed to be all grown-up, but I'd still come home, jump up on your bed, and selfishly talk for hours about my life when you were supposed to be sleeping?  Real-life got a little too heavy sometimes, and I would desperately want your wisdom and advice.  You would tell me I had to make my own decisions, and I'd get so frustrated because you were right.  You'd tell me that you loved me and wanted me to be happy.  You'd tell me you were praying for me. 

Maybe you don't remember.
But I do.

I'm far from home, but I hope you know that you've taught me through example how to think hard, work hard, and play hard.  Your rock-solid faith in our Heavenly Father and his Son has strengthened my own more than you'll ever know.  I feel your influence and love helping me climb my mountains every single day.

Thank you for always, always supporting, encouraging, and trusting me.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy...
I love you!!!