When I was a junior in high school, I
told my dad that lots of kids were trying out smoking.
I just wanted
to try it to see what it was like, I told my dad. I quickly added
that I was not going to lose my testimony and that I was not planning
to leave the church. I just wanted to just test it out like a few of
my friends. (Now, mind you when I was a teen, doctors were
advocating smoking, ads were touting how glamorous it all was, etc.
Smoking didn't have the bad rap it deserves!)
My dad didn't get
upset, didn't beg me not to do it, just quietly said, "Loni,
I've never smoked in my life either. I don't want to. But, you
don't have to sneak to do it. When you are ready, come tell me and
I'll go buy them for you and we'll smoke our first cigarette
together."
I was stunned by his reaction!
And, I also KNEW
that I could never smoke and be the cause of my dear father's smoking
his first cigarette. Oh, he was a wise one, that dear dad of mine.
He was my hero growing up and I still miss him. I realize what a
great blessing the Plan of Salvation is.
Dad, thanks for being such
a great example of the Priesthood, living the Gospel, and treating my
mother like the queen she was!
No comments:
Post a Comment