As today is Father's Day I have been reflecting on all the good men I have in my life. Truly I have been blessed with great examples of kind, righteous men, through out my whole life. My grandfathers, uncles, neighbors, bishops, primary teachers, Sunday school teachers, stake presidents, school teachers, college professors, seminary and institute teachers, my friends' dads, my brother, coworkers, mission president, elders I served with, my friends' husbands, brothers' in law, and friends that have grown to be good men. I am sure that I have forgotten some categories, but that's all the one's I can think of. So many good men in my life. I'm sad for those who have been victims of men who chose to abuse and mistreat and worse. My prayers are with them.
Heavenly Father is the most important being in my life; I know He lives, I know He loves me. He is real, He knows me (and each of His children), He wants us to be happy and provided the way.
While reflecting on all the men that have been examples to me, and served me, the men that who are the most important to me in this life are my father, father-in-law, and my husband. My son is named after them, his name is John Francis Clark.
My dad, Francis, raised me (alongside my mom) in a righteous, Christ centered home, filled with love. He treated my mom, my siblings, and me with respect and kindness. He taught us the gospel not only in word, but in deed and through example. He is my hero in many respects. Between helping me with school projects, dealing with my tantrums during math homework, and running lines for plays with me, he deserves part of my high school diploma. :) He is a creative problem solver, hard worker, easy going, fun loving, mister fix-it, handy man. He is also very gentle, would never pull out our teeth even if they were hanging by a thread, kind of man. I could go on, but I won't.
My father-in-law, John, is a great man. He loves he loves the Lord and his gospel, he loves his children too. He raised them in the gospel and each have developed the same love and faith. (My mother-in-law is wonderful too, and also taught the gospel.) He has welcomed me into the family with nothing but love and open arms. He has been through some tough things in his life and never complains. Similar to my dad, works hard, creative fixer, handy man, plays with the grandchildren, and more.
My husband John is the most perfect man for me in every way. Is he perfect? Absolutely not, but he and I fit together perfectly. (Heavenly Father is a good match maker). There are not adequate words to describe what I feel for John, and how much I love, admire, and cherish him. He has a great love for the Lord, a desire to serve Him and His children. He is honest to the core. He faithfully fulfills his calling, even though it can be challenging at times. He works hard to provide for our family. He is a good man, a righteous man, a good husband, and a good father.
I love these three men! It seemed only right to name our first son after them. Our little guy is John Francis Clark. He has some of the best examples in his life: his father, and two awesome grandpas.
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| Reading with Daddy |
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| Daddy |
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| Grandpa John |
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| Grandpa Francis |
