Today is Father's Day and I figured that I would talk a little bit about Dad. I thought I would first say that the usual thing when we talk about Dad in our family is to bring up the stories that make us laugh. Here is a recap of such stories: Rolling down the hills in Yosemite, tripping and bloody knees, eating rice cakes with ants, forgetting the words to choir numbers, the convertible in Hawaii, and my favorite the wetsuit on backwards. I am sure there are many more stories that can be added to this list. We also should acknowledge what a hip dude Dad is. Through out Dad's life he has built hot rods and raced up and down the roads of California, added nitrous oxide and drove noisy cars that would make Fast and the Furious enthusiasts jealous. He has run races and up and down trails that most people half his age would likely pass out on (including me). Most recently at the age of 70 has gone 130mph in a supercharged truck. How many senior citizens do you know that can say that? And of course we all know of the current project, which will send our "seasoned speedster" to 250mph plus! We can't forget that our dad is also an accomplished actor in which he uses the stage name, "Edmund T. Cox." He has so convincingly portrayed Elvis, And as mom has always said, "Dad can fix anything." As hilarious and cool as those stories are I think we all have at least one story in which we remember our Dad doing something that makes us remember why he is such a great father and been such a good example to us. Me being the baby of the family many of you siblings would refer to me as having it easy, or being spoiled. I may or may not admit to this, but I do like to think that as great as our dad is, I got him after he had 8 times to practice being a dad until it was my turn, so in a way, maybe I got the best version. I also got to have him all to myself for part of my life. I will always look up to my dad for the many good principles he has taught to me and the rest of the family. Many by which have come through his example of being a righteous priesthood holder in our home, and a good man.
I always knew that Dad took good care of us and that we were his number one priority, despite the many other obligations he had. One of the things that will always remind me of this and that I will never forget is an experience I had when I was around 12 or so. I remember one day coming into Mom and Dad's room for one reason or another. It was early in the morning, probably before school, and as I walked in and was about to open my mouth I saw dad one his knees praying. I don't know what it was for, if any special reason or anything, but I know that I saw a man that was diligently and earnestly in prayer for the well being of his family. I had seen Dad pray before but not like this. I stood there and I watched him for minutes and minutes and just thought about how my Dad loves and cares for his family. After what seemed like forever of just watching Dad he brought his prayer to a close and I scurried out of the room before he noticed I was watching. That thought has stuck with me always when I think of my Dad and the good man he is. From building a hot rod, running a 5k, and most importantly caring for his family, Dad has always done everything at no less than his best. Many of us kids have kids of our own, and someday will have our own and we can thank our Dad for many of the traits we possess and values that hold dear and that we will teach to our own families. I look forward to when I can sing songs like "Tommy Toothbrush" and "Reiter Reiter Rumkin" to my own family and work to be a Dad like mine. Between 9 kids and coming close to 30 grandkids we have a Dad that really has lived up to his old saying, "Anything worth doing is worth doing well." Thanks Dad for being the amazing dad you are, Happy Father's Day, we all love you so much!"
