Monday, June 16, 2008

Father's Day

In celebration of Father's Day, I would like to write about how amazing and wonderful my dad is.

He is a hard worker. I remember working with him on the ranch. Many times, he and my brother were the ones working hard on the ranch, but occasionally, the whole family would be asked to help out. Often, we would get up early in the morning for a whole days work ahead of us. When we would get to the field we would then separate, be sent to various sections, and set a goal to meet at a certain corner at a certain time. I hated be separated from my family, mostly because I felt scared of the bulls, worried that I couldn't remember which direction I was suppose to go and get lost, or that I would run into trouble. I honestly got nervous, and would continue to say prayers that I would do what I was asked to do, and that I would arrive safely. And just when I would be ready to succomb to tears, I would hear my dad's whistle and relief would flow through me. I loved hearing my dad's voice, and I would know that everything would be ok from then on. He always wanted me to work hard, and to do my best. Also, I remember being thrown off a horse, I think I as probably 6 years old. And instead of letting me throw a pitty party for myself, my dad made me get on the same horse, and ride for awhile. That lesson taught me alot. The classic saying, "When you fall down, just pick yourself up!" I also remember when I was a few years older, we were up at Maggies. The strap to my saddle broke, and I went tumbling down. I was more afraid then hurt, certain I would be stranded by myself. Then, I saw my dad on his horse, heading towards me! He had come to my rescue!! He had seen my horse without a rider and came immediately to my aid. He let me ride behind him the rest of the day. What a relief!

He is service oriented. He was always willing to help out a neighbor and a friend. Whether it was to help them move, birthing calves, irrigation problems, or giving directions. There were strangers that would knock on our door, needing assistance, and my dad would help them out. We have met a lot of friends just because my dad was always willing to serve. Whenever I would introduce myself, people would recognize my name and say, "you aren't Steve Hebdon's girl are ya". And then they would tell me about a story of when they first met my dad, how grateful they were for his service and friendship.

He didn't want us to be quitters. He always wanted us to finish what we started. I remember my Junior year in High School. I had just finished volleyball, and the basketball season was about to start. I hated basketball so much!! And after a lot of thought, I decided to not play basketball. But of course the coaches wouldn't accept that as an answer. They talked me into giving it a try, and if I decided I didn't like it then I could quit. So I did, and of coarse I hated it. I gave it a month, and decided to quit! And boy did I pay for it. Everyone gave me such a hard time. The hardest thing wasn't to tell the coaches but I didn't want to tell my dad, because I knew how much it would break his heart. I did muster up the courage to tell him that I had quit, and of coarse he was disappointed. I explained to him about what happened, and that I had only agreed to give it a try, but I still think that he was disappointed...I learned that year, to always try my best, and to never give up. Another memory, my last transfer on my mission, I was trying my best not to get "trunky". I wanted to finish with a bang, but one week I just felt tired and drained. I received a letter from my dad, which was always exciting because they weren't very many. He wrote of how he wanted me to keep working hard, to not let up, and to finish my mission in a way that would make me proud. I kept that letter close at hand, and it helped to inspire me throughout the remaining days. Even on the flights home, I tried to find someone to talk with, and share the gospel. I am forever grateful for him, and his encouragement!!

He loves to learn. He has always been good at whatever he does. Because he worked on the ranch and water systems, he would spend a lot of time with the forest service, reservations, and fish and game. They respected what his opinion was and often asked for his ideas. He has a unique talent in understanding people and how to accomplish goals that work out the best for everyone involved. I can't tell you how many times I have heardof how knowledgable my father is and what a wonderful job he does.

He is a good friend. It actually makes me tear up to think of my dad's friends. The majority of them have passed on now. Many were elderly that he grew up with, one was his sunday school teacher who challenged him to bring his scriptures every Sunday. My dad did, and they have been good friends since. (Many of you know this individual as Bro. Bob. He then became each of my siblings seminary teacher. I think that he was even my dad's seminary teacher.) They would work together during the winter times milking cows, they were home teacher companions. Anyways, there are many friends of my dads, that I know he would have done anything for. Many of them were quite a few years older then him, but my dad didn't care. He loved them for them. I remember hearing my dad say with a chuckle, that he didn't have very many more friends left, and there were tears in his eyes. No doubt they are on the other side watching out for him. One of his best friends would be his own father. He goes to visit his grave frequently...

He has always been supportive of us in the gospel. He us to be active in church. He would ask us questions about what we learned at church when we would have dinner. He helped my brother get his Eagle Scout award. He helped my brother and I to serve full time missions. He was there, supporting my brother and sister when they got married in the temple. I am forever grateful for his support. He has supported my mother in all of her callings, which says a lot because she would spend hours upon hours, coming home late many times.

He loves the prophets. Whether it be Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, or Pres. Hinckley, he always has respect and love for them. He loved reading the Work and the Glory, and learning more about church history. He always listens to General Conference and often chuckles at the sense of humor Pres. Hinckley had. One of my favorite memories was going to my brother's wedding in Ohio. I was able to go with my parents. We drove the whole way there. We stopped at almost every historical marker on the way. My mom and I would joke around that we were never going to make it to Ohio at the pace we were going! But my dad loves history and learning as much as he can. When we got to Nauvoo, he thrived on teaching the tour leaders even more history. Because he knew his family history and has read many of the stories and journals. He has such pride in his heritage! The missionaries listened to his stories, would comment on how they loved hearing it, and would use some of it later on. It was a fun trip, and one that I will never forget!

He loves his family. I know that he would give us the shirt of his back without any hisitation, and has done so many times. Like I mentioned with my mother, I will never know all that he sacrificed without so that we would have enough. He would often gives us money here and there so we could have fun. He encouraged all of us to get an education! And get a job were we could be comfortable. He wants the best for all of us, and is always concerned that we succeed and wanting to know how he can help us out. I love going home and spending time with my parents! I even get to "tuck them in bed" and talk for a few minutes before I head to my own room. I love those times, and the conversations we will have. I wish I could go home more often.

He adores my mom, his eternal companion. He alwasy refers to her as "his bride". Whenever I go home, I can't count how many times I have heard him compliment my mom on how beautiful she is, how talented, and again how beautiful she is! It is so cute! And she blushes, but I know that it makes her feel special. He helps her around the house and garden. He cooks for her when she has worked in the fields and comes home late from work. He is amazing with the outdoor grill!! He hates to go to bed without her, and when she is visiting us, calls frequently to check up on her, and tell her how much he misses her. There is no doubt in my mind that my dad loves her so much!

Thank you dad for being an amazing example to me! And loving me for who I am! Happy Father's Day!