Father's Day Gratitudes

      For those of you who have been reading my "Sugar vs. Vinegar" posts the last two weeks I am giving you a break, at least temporarily. I may go back and blow more wind along those lines, but today I feel the need to give thanks to some very special fathers in my life. BUT before I do I want to wish all Fathers a Happy Fathers Day and you can have the whole week to enjoy that thought!!!

     First and foremost I would like to thank my Heavenly Father for giving me this earthly opportunity to come and learn and grow, although there are times when facing very difficult challenges I have wondered if it is worth it, BUT no matter how hard it gets, I know it is worth the effort to keep going.  I am also very grateful that He blessed me with so many other good father figures in my life that have helped me in so many ways. To keep from writing a book about it (besides none of my books get published anyway, at least not so far) I would just like to share an important thing I learned or appreciate so much from the Father Figures in my life. Of course, the love of my Heavenly Father is above all else. My earthly father taught me the value of integrity and hard work. So grateful that my Grandpa Holt  taught those same principles to my Dad, but I must also add they both were fabulous storytellers!!! (A tradition I truly miss when my family gets together!) And grateful that my Grandpa Nielsen helped teach unconditional love to my angel mother. My brother, Russell, for being there for me in difficult times. And my brother, Don, for being my buddy for so many years! There are so many fathers of friends, so many teachers and leaders who have helped me in my life in so many ways as well. I also want to thank each of my sons for what they have taught me about being a mother. Jonathan was blessed with the most kind and caring heart! Anthony was my enthusiatic charmer! David was my spiritually inclined super hero king! Joseph was my quiet tender loving soul! And Benjamen was my busy Mr. Friendly!! As they have grown up those qualities have grown with them and helped me in so many ways as each son continues to teach me. Yes, I have truly been blessed by many father figures in my life. Now your turn! Take some time and think of the father figures in your life and what you have learned from them that have helped you move forward in your life!!! And, please, have a great week!!!!