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!!!
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My family is so important to me...especially my sisters. I am thankful my family stands behind me 100% no matter what I do. They constantly tell me how much they love me and are proud of me. My sisters and I have the strongest most amazing bond! They are truly beautiful women who make my life so fun! My brothers (including the inlaws) are like my body guards! Whenever soemthing is wrong, they go up in full protection mode and will do anything to protect me! My nephews and niece are precious in everyway! I so so thankful I can watch them grow and learn to see the simple things in a new light--through their eyes! My family is pretty amazing...we are big and crazy and seriously so dysfunctional, but at least there is NEVER a dull moment in our lives!!!!
I would have NEVER made it through the college years without this bestie! Heather is the first person I text when something has gone wrong and I am so grateful she is always just a text away! I am glad we can go out to dinner and just talk for hours on end...until they start cleaning and telling us they are closing! We never have an awkward dull moment and I am so thankful for the example she is to me! I am glad I went to BYU-Idaho because I met Heather! I am so thankful that 4 1/2 years ago we decided to hang out and become besties! I know whenever I need ANYTHING Heather is just a phone call away and will do anything she can to help!!! I look forward to many more years of silliness together...including being in a nursing home causing chaos like we do so well! :).JPG)
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These girls have been inspiration to me in so many ways! From being examples in word and deed to being some of the best partners in crime, I am so thankful for them! We have had a great year full of trips, adventures, tears, and laughs, and I have enjoyed every single one of them! My roomies have truly become some of my closest friends who make me laugh every single day! I am thankful for the jokes we share and our crazy stories! I love coming "home" and hearing about everyones adventures. Thank you girls for being there for me while my dad had his heart surgery, for being there through Ryan drama, and for being there to simply make me laugh and smile!!! I am going to miss you girls so much after graduation but I know we will be hanging out sooo much more outside of school!!!
