A Tribute to my Dad...

For My Dad... John Ray Hamblin...

This week, on March 9th, my dad turns 80 years old!!  I could tell you of all of his accomplishments...the list would take up the entire page... including Missions, service in the Church, Civic responsibilities, Teaching, Ranching, etc. etc...but I choose to tell you of what I have witnessed as his daughter, of his character...

When my children were small, and budgets were tight, we would plan to go visit Grandpa for his Birthday, in Utah and spend the weekend with him to try and make it special for him...but the kind of person that he is, would hear of our coming and proceed to buy the entire family tickets to "Disney on Ice" as part of his Birthday Celebration.  Not to be content with enough sharing...he would see to it that every one of my kids got a souvenir  and a treat at the show...and also take us all out to dinner after it was over!  His joy was full when he was doing for others. He would say, "It's MY Birthday, and this is how I want to celebrate!" You'll never know how much this meant to me and how special it was to each of my children.  They looked forward to his birthday every year!
        

 When I was growing up, my Dad very seldom got angry, but he had a look of disappointment that would cut to the core when you did something naughty or dumb in wisdom!  He was angry when you disobeyed, when you showed disrespect, when you broke commandments or laws, and never waivered in his own beliefs.  He always taught and lived the way he would have you live.  He showed by example how to love others and treat everyone.  One day I was at my parents home when he came home with a bunch of old used clothes in a big garbage bag.  He said that he had needed some new things to spice up his wardrobe and had bought them from a certain man.  They were just ratty, old, worn out stuff, a few grundgy ties, shirts...stuff like that...my Mom couldn't believe that he had BOUGHT them from someone, until she heard who it was...and then we both knew that he hadn't bought them because he needed them, or because they were nice...he bought them to help out a soul that was down on his luck and needed the assistance.  He could have just given him the money, but he bought the clothes in order for the man to feel good about himself, to hold his head high...to save face and not be embarrassed. This is the kind of man my Dad is.

My Dad is kind to everyone, he will talk to anyone, will listen to everyone, and will share a funny joke with a stranger in Walmart!  In my opinion, my Dad sees good in all people...he truly believes that each person is a Child of God, and he treats everyone as such.  

My Dad loves my mother, and has proven that to each of us with every ounce of fiber in his being!  No matter what her request, no matter what she needs...my dad will always answer, "Yes, Dear!" and go on his way to please and help her in any way.  They have been sweethearts for many years, and I know that he loves and cares for her and appreciates all that she does for him.

I love that my Dad has a sense of humor and has passed that on to me...I think that is important in life to enjoy each day and find humor along the way.  He can think of, and tell you, a funny story about every incident that takes place.  He has witnessed so much in his observance of life, and has brought those funny happenings along with him for the journey.  It makes me smile that he can crack himself up with his own jokes!!

My dad is the most loving, caring, sweet, humble, funny, knowledgable, even tempered, hard working, and spiritual individual I know.  He has a strong testimony that he has shared with us, his family, with his neighbors and friends, and with the rest of the world through his faithful missionary service.  He honors his priesthood and is the best example to my husband and sons and grandsons.  He speaks the truth.  He has great integrity.   He respects women.  He loves little children.  He loves God.  I want my father to know how very much he means to me...how very much I love him...how blessed I am to have such a great dad, and how privledged I am to have been his daughter!