Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Day 6: Birthdays!


So, in addition to being Groundhog's Day, today is also the birthday of two very special people in my life.

One is my friend Gus. She has been like family to me for as long as I can remember. Growing up I enjoyed sleepovers at her home where she and her husband treated me like a princess and always made me feel very special. We shared a love for animals. I remember her letting me help her brush their German Shepherd. He was about the same size as me, so I'm sure I was more of a bother than a help, but she never made me feel that way. I just have a basket full of wonderful memories when I think of them.

And now that I'm a little older, we've been able to renew that friendship and she continues to bless my life. She seems to have information on just about every topic I'm really curious about, but never make time to research. Most recently, she sent me a prenatal yoga DVD that had a huge impact on helping me change to a more peaceful and
positive outlook as these pregnancy hormones got to me. Without that, this new version of the blog probably wouldn't have been made.

So, with today being her birthday, my thoughts are on her and those wonderful memories. And who can help but to feel joy when thinking of a fabulous friend?

And the other person is my dad.

I love watching him as a grandpa to my kids. He is so patient. And fun. They ADORE him.

So do I. That's why thoughts of him always bring me Joyful Moments.

He has taught me so much about everything that is important in my life. He teaches me about my Savior and His gospel. He teaches me about love both in the way he loves me and the way he loves my mom. He teaches me about hard work. I can't even begin to detail all the things he created or fixed by hand--and the amazing job he always did. He also taught me to love exercise, especially running. He teaches me to be humble and just keep persevering.

And mostly, he teaches me all of these things through his example. I couldn't ask for a better dad in my life. I am super di dooper homesick for him right now.

Happy Birthday, Dad & Gus! I love you both! Thanks for being the cause of so many Joyful Moments, today and every day!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cheryl - thank you! That's about the sweetest nicest tribute I've ever had! I'm not so sure what I've done to deserve it, but thanks.

I'm honored to share this day with your dad. I just wish we could still be celebrating it together like we once did!

Love you!

Melanie said...

My joy is being realted to Dad! I love ya.

Linda said...

Your dad is also my great joy for the day. He is the light of my life! He makes life joyful even if we are "homeless" for now. He spoils me as often as he can. What can I say, I love him!

And I echo your thoughts on Gus. What a sweet friend she's been for all these years.

Nikki said...

That's very sweet, Cheryl.