Sunday, June 21, 2009

A tribute to all the dads in my life

First of all there is my father. He was an amazing father, the best I could ever ask for. He taught me the value of working hard, family time and loving the Lord. I have fond memories of working in the yard together, I am sure I was complaining the entire time. But looking back I treasure that time together. I spent many hours in the truck with him on the way to jobs, being quizzed with math facts. Sadly, that did not make me any better at math, and I'm not sure if any of it has stuck with me over the years. I loved going fishing and camping with my dad. I never loved baiting the hook, but that is what a father is there for.
I have not always been close with my father, and for that I am truly sad. But I can honestly say as I have grown up and have a family of my own, I have realized how blest I am to have my dad. I don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful father in my life. He is a true hero! His love for the Lord and for the gospel is so vast and I am in awe of his understanding. He always honors his priesthood and teaches with love. I am mostly thankful that he married my mother in the Temple. Together they have reared six children all of whom are sealed in the Temple and are rearing families of their own. I love my siblings and am so thankful to be part of the Boyd Cardon family. I love you dad! And I miss you so very much.

To my father-in-law, I am thankful to be a member of the Robert Wayne Larsen family. I know that Eric is the man he is today because of my second father! He welcomed me into the family when Eric and I were first dating and for that I am thankful. He loves my children and I know he has a testimony of the Savior and his church here on this earth. I have not always felt at ease around my in-laws, but I have always known that they love me and my family. I am thankful that along with his wife LeeAnne, they taught Eric in love and righteousness, resulting in Eric serving a mission and then coming to Ricks. I love my father-in-law and I could not have asked for a better one. I am so lucky to have him in my life.

Now, to the love of my life...Eric. Words are not adequate for how I feel about this father. Next to my dad I have never seen a dad more dedicated to his family and more involved with is kids. Eric would do anything for his boys, they are his world. It seems that every night he is helping them with some sport or school project. He has always coached them in sporting events. He has always helped with them at night when they were babies...not always happy about it, but he did it anyhow. Eric is in my eyes and in the eyes of his boys the greatest father there is. Eric honors his priesthood and his calling in the church. I know he has a deep love of the Savior and he has great desires to serve the Lord in every way. Eric is the head of our home and he is a wonderful leader. I don't know what I would ever do without him. He is my entire world and my heart and soul belong to him.
He has been gone for a week now and my heart just aches to be with him again. He is a wonderful provider for our family and I am so thankful I'm able to stay at home with our children. I am thankful that Eric wants me home and not out in the work force. For all that know Eric, they know how wonderful he is. He is amazing! I'm blest to be his wife.

5 comments:

tlc said...

What wonderful tributes to the "fathers" in your life!

Ben and Kim said...

Wow Rochelle, that was really sweet. Your a blessed woman!

Lovely Little Liv said...

u didn't feel at ease around me? "mom, i don't think rochelle is tall enough to put curlers in my hair". i thought we had some special bonding over watching jenny jones! sheesh!

Chelle said...

Em,
You are to funny. I have always loved you! You just didn't like me much.

emily said...

i deny this alleged rochelle disliking...okay maybe i was a bit possesive of my brother...okay maybe alot...but i am not one to like new people...except babies. i LOVED robbie! well all of them but he was special cause he was the 1st. he made me an auntie!