Simply put, my dad was amazing. Was he perfect? No, but then again, who is? Did he make tons of mistakes in his early life? Of course, but he spent everyday of his later life working to become a true disciple of Christ. He loved the gospel more than anyone I have ever met. My family was the world to him and he was constantly putting himself out to help meet the needs of anyone else. My dad didnt have many friends, because he didnt consider them friends, he considered them family. Every person dad met, he took under his wing and made them part of the Nelson Clan. Yesterday will forever be the worst day in my life. It's the day I lost my best friend, my mentor, my example, my comfort, my strength, my dad. Last night, when I decided I should try to sleep, I laid in bed and just closed my eyes and pictured my dad. I pictured him standing next to me, comforting me at this time. I picutred him standing in the kitchen doing the dishes making this crazy noise with his nose that sounds like he is driving a car. I picture him riding my Mo-ped and being so excited that he felt young again. I think of the times when he was my coach in softball and he always taught me to never give up--a lesson that I am trying to heart at this moment. Dads favorite thing to do was to sit on the couch just looking at each of his kids and grandkids run around playing with each other. Dads hardwork can be seen throughout my parents house with everything they have, as well as with his own personal business. He worked hard everyday to make everything perfect for each and everyone of us. My dad became my friends dad...they would come and visit him even when I was in Idaho for school. He was never afraid to speak his mind and offer his ideas, thoughts, worries, concerns, and love for others. He always had the open door policy and he would never change that for any reason. I find myself waiting to hear his voice in the house, waiting to hear the door slam because he couldnt, for the life of him. close that door quietly. I wait to hear him cough so we know where he is, I wait to see him laying in his hammock, I wait for him to come by so I can tell him I love him one more time. I miss my dad so much. He always lit up a room when he walked in. He was never afraid to chase his dreams, and he always taught us to follow ours and never give up. I am confused what happened yesterday. Why did he have to leave before I got married and had kids? Why did he have to leave on a day he was doing so much better? You know, yesterday was the anniversary of when he proposed to mom...33 years ago. Their love has made it through so many things and now I look for his love to help me through this. Daddy I know you are in a better place, even though I dont want to believe it. I know you were greeted by your sister and parents, and many others that have loved you so much. I hope you know that I love you so much and I miss you terribly. I am sorry I couldnt walk back and say goodbye, but I cant grasp the concept of what has happened. Please continue to grant your love upon the family. You know we will need it. Thank you for bringing us together again, for showing us the true meaning of family and love, for always making me smile and laugh. Just remember your little girl loves you and misses you terribly. I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!
