Dear Dad,

I recently overheard some people talking about how their Dad always came home from work "grumpy because he was so stressed"  I (happily) couldn't relate to that at all.  My childhood (and adulthood) is full of memories of you being happy, of you smiling, joking, and laughing.  It seemed you were always in a good mood.  You are always fun to be around.  I look back on my childhood and feel so blessed that I had you and Mom as parents.  My childhood was good (great!), happy, and full of love.  Of course, my adulthood has been just as good because of the foundation you gave me and because your positive influence has continued.  Thank you for giving me a beautiful life.

I love you forever!

Love,

April

Dear Dad,

One thing that I love about you is hearing you sing.  I have great memories of riding in your truck and hearing you sing bits and pieces of "Put your shoulder to the wheel" or "How much is this doggy in the window"  I've told my primary kiddos multiple times about My Dad signing.  It makes me smile thinking about it.  I'm not the only singer in the family! 

I love you!

Love,

April

Dear Dad,

I'm not ready to live life without you in it.  I still need you.

I love you so much.  I can't believe how unfair this is.  I want so badly for this to all go away and for us to keep having lots of adventures together. 

I'm so sad for you and all of us.  I hope you aren't scared.  I hope you know how much I love you.  I hope you know how lucky I feel to have you as my Dad.  I hope you know how much your love, example, endless support, and so much more has influenced my life.  All the things that are good in me--came from you and Mom.  I can never tell you enough--or even begin to explain how much I love you.

I love you Dad.

Love,

April

Dear Dad,

My favorite outfit of yours is your blue shirt and levis and work boots.  Nothing says "My Dad" like this outfit! :) I could always find you in a crowd because I always knew what you would be wearing.  I love you and have a perfect picture of you wearing this in my mind and always will. 

Love you Dad.

Love,

April

Dear Dad,

I have missed living near you form any reasons but especially when it snows!  There was nothing better than waking up and the "Doug Newman snow removal fairy" :) had paid us a visit!  I loved it when we actually got to see you and say hi, but most of the time you served us and we never even saw you.  You have been a wonderful example of selfless service to me your entire life.  I don't know anyone who so willingly serves others as much as you.  You have shown me how much you love me by always serving me.  Thank you will never be enough.

I love you so much. 

Love,

April

Dear Dad,

I love nothing more than taking the Tremonton exit, turning at Zollinger;s corner and coming home.  There is nothing as comforting as being home.  I love beautiful Bothwell and our lovely home.  I see your touch everywhere there--in the green fields with perfect rows, in the John Deere tractor out in the field, in the playground a the church.  I see and hear from all the people all the service you have given to them and I am always proud to be your daughter.

I love coming home to "my" house, a house that you built for us.  I've always thought we had one of the nicest homes and am amazed you built it.  I have the best memories in that house-playing basketball and rollerskating in the driveway, watching TV together in the family room, and coming home to you sitting in the recliner (mostly wearing just garments! :) )

I'm so grateful that I have these places to call home.  They bring me comfort and good feelings.  Cam has said he doesn't really have a place that feels this way to him.  He knows and I know--that he is truly missing out.  I'm so blessed to have a home--that you created, served in, continue to improve, and have filled with love and beautiful memories.  I can't wait to come home again soon and see you. 

I love you Dad.

Love,

April

Dear Dad,

Thank you for tending Carson all those days.  He loved being with you on the farm.  I could have never made it through nursing school without your babysitting help!  I knew that whenever I called and asked if you could tend that you would say yes.  I am sure it wasn't always convenient but you did it anyway.  My favorite memory of you tending was when Carson used about 100 rolls of tape and taped the inside of your truck.  In true Dad style--you didn't get mad but just laughed about it.  Thank you for being such a great Dad AND Grandpa!

I love you!

Love,

April