Kendra's Message for Dad

I truly believe Dad is the most unselfish person I know. We’ve all seen this and have been blessed because of his remarkable character. Not long after Dad retired, maybe even within days, he showed up at my house with his toolbox. I had projects I was involved in, including quilts I was making for a couple of the kids. I also was trying to get the house in order for company that was coming the next day.

Dad spent the day with me repairing bi-fold doors that never seem to stay on our closets, rehanging towel racks that were used as a jungle gym years ago, washing walls, and anything else he could help with. Sabrina also came to help me prepare. She arranged other plans for her kids and drove the distance to spend the day with me. She is another person who gives so much of herself to others. As we worked, we talked and laughed, and the stress I’d felt earlier drained away. I felt blessed to have such remarkable examples of service. There was never a complaint or judgment. In fact, they practically made me feel like I’d done them a service by letting them spend the day with me. I’ll always remember the love they showed me by their service.

I love the example of unselfish service Dad showed when he was going to get rid of a couple nice suits he had and was impressed by the Spirit to give them to certain men in his neighborhood. He could have easily just dropped them off at the DI. Days after taking one of the suits to a Spanish speaking man across the street, the man came over and was able to tell dad that he’d been called in the bishopric of the Spanish branch the following week and felt blessed to have a nice suit to wear. Dad’s example of asking in prayer not only how he can serve, but specifically who, is a beautiful example to me.

There are so many illustrations of Dad’s Christ like trait. Even now, Dad serves daily in Wasco, California. When he could literally “retire”, he works hard and accomplishes so much.

I love you, Dad and hope you know how much your living unselfishly has meant to me.

Love,
Kendra