Sabrina's Memory of Dad

I have always loved Dad’s hands. I remember being at Uncle Lamont’s funeral and standing by the casket with Dad. He touched his uncle’s hand (which as a kid I thought was a little creepy!) and talked about how he had always admired Lamont’s hands. The hands were big and rough and still had dirt in the creases of the skin. As I stood there with Dad I noticed that his hands were exactly like his uncles. The reverence that Dad showed for his Uncle’s hands made me not afraid to touch them anymore or to be near the casket.

Since that experience I have watched Dad’s hands. His hands have always been about service whether it is digging in his garden, crafting something out of wood, using the priesthood, or pushing his grandchildren in the swing. His big rough hands have always had a little bit of dirt in the creases and cuts or scratches from whatever project he has been working on. In the song “His Hands” there is a line that makes me think of Dad, “I will make these hands like those from Galilee”. Dad is an amazing example of Christ like giving and service.

I have always loved how people gravitate to Dad (his grandchildren most of all) because of the amazing kind spirit that he radiates. I remember working at Primary Children’s hospital as a candy striper (I hope I spelled that right I’m always afraid of getting that word wrong!) and later doing housekeeping. At lunch time I would sit with Dad and all his “ladies”. They would go on and on about how great he was and if they ever needed anything done he was always willing to help. They would tell me how lucky I was to have a Dad like him. There was also the guy there with disabilities (I can’t remember his name for sure. Was it Lenny?) Dad would patiently sit with him and listen to all he had to say. He could feel Dad’s great spirit and wanted to be around him.

And we all know that Dad is going to make it to heaven for 45 years of driving in a car with Mom beside him and only slamming on his brakes once. None of us will forget quietly filing off the RV in the middle of Nauvoo. (Just teasing you Mom we love you!!!!!!)

Thanks for being such a wonderful example Dad!

I love you,

Sabrina