Reflections on Dad

I've had some time to reflect on my Dad and the influence he's had on my life. He is the reason I'm who I am today and I love him so very much.



As a young girl I really liked to cook. About age 10, I tried to cook my first cake not from a box. The cake turned out great. It was the frosting that I got hung up on. I didn't know what "confectioner's sugar" was so I improvised and used granulated sugar; the only sugar I knew existed in our household because it was the one in the container on the counter. Needless to say, I ruined everything. I was so distraught and disappointed. I ran out of the house into the back yard and attempted to hide from my failure. My dad came and found me. He had brought out a towel to wipe away my tears. We sunk to the grass and just cuddled and talked while we watched the sun slowly set. I learned that it's OK to make mistakes and that my Dad loved me no matter what I did wrong.



Growing up, my family had one pew that we would sit on every Sunday. Everyone knew it was the Powell's bench and it would always be empty whether we were early or late. Every Fast Sunday, one of us girls would bear our testimonies, sometimes all three of us. You would think that my parents were holding FHE every week and just righteousness was dripping from their pores. Little did anyone realize that my dad would BRIBE us. Our FHE consisted of going to the local Baskin Robbins for ice cream cones. He would buy us ice cream sundaes if we had born our testimonies in church. Inadvertently, I learned to love the gospel and despite the questionable push, I overcame any fear of public speaking all because I was easily bribed.



Later in adolescence, I participated on the Cheer Squad. I was driven and learned new things to ensure my success as a cheerleader. I had just started my Junior or 3rd year cheering when my Dad asked why I was still doing this. He seemed baffled that I wouldn't move on to something else. It was pretty simple in my mind. You see, I had always been secretly envious of my friends and sisters who had received trophies for participating in various activities. I had received lots of participation medals but was mediocre enough not to shine. I replied, "To get a trophy." Then I explained this secret wish of mine and that 3rd and 4th year cheerleaders receive trophies at the end of the year. I was working towards a trophy I could call my own. That year for my birthday, my Dad gave me a trophy for just being his daughter. He had engraved my treasured accomplishments to that point of my life (17) and ended with "A-1 #3 Kid." That meant that I as A-1 in his book, but I happened to be the third daughter. He taught me that just being me was reason enough to be recognized for greatness.



Throughout my life, my father has had an open door. He is more than happy to invite others into his home and share a meal and conversation. I have a cousin who was estranged from his family for a number of years. He lived a few hours away from us in CA and knew he had an open invitation to visit any time. My dad not only extended his hand of fellowship to him, but became the Father figure he was so lacking in his own family. He taught him how to lay tile, plant a garden and fix a broken chain on a bike. To this day, my Dad is very open with invites and makes everyone feel welcome and loved. This has taught me to open my home; to be available to others and make them feel appreciated for what they have to offer whatever it may be.



I write these words of love and appreciation for a man living with Cancer. I have watched his health decline over the past year and fear for what the future holds for him and us. I have watched his energy decline but enthusiasm electrify the air around him. I watch as his body rides a roller coaster of ups and downs that he has no choice to get off and I see a strong man learn patience with the circumstances he cannot change. I have watched my Dad grow through this chapter of his life and could not feel more pride and amazement for who he has become.



So I thank you, Dad. I thank you for all you have done for me, for all you have taught me, and for all your love you have showered upon me in my life. I have always felt like the "Favored" child while knowing that my dear sisters have felt the same way. You are loved beyond measure and I pray in gratitude for the opportunity to be your daughter.