From the Past: Dad and the Cigarettes

"Dad," I said when I was a junior or senior in high school. "Lots of the kids at school are trying out smoking. So, I'm just telling you this, but, I will probably buy a pack and try it just to see what it's like. I'm not leaving the church or anything, and I'll still have my testimony, but I just want to try it to see what it's like"

I expected protests, which I was ready to counter.

"Loni," he said without emotion, anger or pleadings to not do it, "I've never smoked either. So, instead of sneaking around to get a pack, when you are ready, just come to me, and I'll go buy them, and we'll try it together."

I was STUNNED! SHOCKED! Surprised at the unusual suggestion...his answer was so totally UNexpected, so....

I turned around, walked away, and never tried a cigarette.

Because how could I be the cause of my dad smoking his only cigarette?!?!?!?

Tomorrow is this great man's birthday...he died in 2006.

My dad is one of the best persons I have ever personally known. He was good, generous, humble, full of integrity in every way.

Oh, he was a great man. He was (in no particular order):

a scholar
a soloist (he sang at many, many funerals, patriotic events, etc.)
an orator (he was possibly the best speaker I've ever heard, just amazing speaker..he would tell a story and there would not be a sound in the congregation)
a lawyer
a judge
a pilot
a father of 4
a school board member for 11 years including national school board association
a high councilman
a stake president
a lover of the scriptures
a leader in the community, church, home, family
a caring, concerned father and husband
a lover of music
a world traveler-he had been all over the globe, but, oh, how he loved Yellowstone Park
a man who absolutely loved going on an adventure!

Dad, I think of you more often than you can imagine.

On this day before your birthday, I honor you and the great man you were! I consider it one my greatest blessings to have been raised with you and mom as parents.