Day 120: Why Do You Love Us?

Well, Dad, I really didn't think we'd make it to 120 posts by your birthday, but, here we are.

Much has been written about your love for all of us...and our love for you.

For the past three years, I've been editing the only full-feature documentary of our family in existence...the Church History Tour of Summer 1994. Painstaking hours have been spent digging through old footage, converting outdated tape formats, and supplementing memories of the ultimate LeBaron vacation with stirring musical selections from the likes of Afterglow, BYU Men's Chorus, and MoTab.

To my dismay (sort of), about half way through my editing, I realized that the real value of the video wasn't going to be in capturing the myriad paintings, sculptures, and other pioneer relics that had eaten up hours of tape and battery on our video camera over a two-week period. No one would care about the candle-wicking demonstrations, step-by-step wagon wheel reparations, or extensive silverware collections. Truth be told, we would all rather see our family! Our interactions. Our jokes. Our harassment. Our memories.

The "Best of" video will ultimately be released (maybe for your 61st B-day, Dad?), but, I thought it prudent to at least add a few teaser screenshots. It's sad, but, when I look at the video, I think to myself, how could Dad love us so much? I mean, look at us!!!

As I was reflecting on that question, the scripture 1 John 4:19 came to my mind: "We love him, because he first loved us." We love you, Dad. Thank you for first loving us first. For always loving us first. Before possessions, privilege, power, or person. We will always love you.

Love,

You children, your wife, your grandchildren, and the many, many more to come.

Day 119: Our Cute Dad

Here's to Dad

1. For never being afraid to wear a belt and suspenders simultaneously (and attach his hat to his suspenders)
2. For taking a car full of kids skiing
3. For holding things far away from his face when he reads (farsight is always 20/20)
4. For always singing us songs goodnight
5. For always pointing out birds and squirrels
6. For being Canadian
7. For shooting a pistol in the back yard when Maggie swore she saw a rat run under the playhouse
8. For letting the Winters use the Xerox machine
9. For using words like "ubiquitous" as descriptors when playing Catch Phrase
10. For giving the best bear hugs
11. For always being willing to rub your feet
12. For loving lime chicken
13. For Cheers, Wings, and the Fugitive
14. For never saying no to an assignment at church
15. For having the courage to start his own business
16. For building a cabin with Grandpa at the age of 16
17. For calling his sisters every week
18. For always telling Mother that he loves her
19. For being willing to forgive children who snip v-shaped cuts into brand new couches and cut up kangaroo skins from his mission (sorry)
20. For never making his children wonder if he loves them
21. For showing a genuine interest in the lives of those around him
22. For being a friend to the friendless
23. For always forgetting to stir the Crystal Light at family dinners
24. For having an insatiable appetite for antiques
25. For having more restaurant gift certificates than a Wal-Mart check-out stand
26. For always sticking up for Mom
27. For loving music
28. For letting the truck die at the bottom of the hill, jump starting it and letting the battery recharge, forgetting about it and letting it run out of gas so the battery can die again
29. For teaching himself how to do genealogy
30. For reminding me to go to college every time we did manual labor on the back hill so I would never have to move heavy rocks back and forth again
31. For always saying "I'm sorey."
32. For forgiving others and always giving people the benefit of the doubt
33. For pretending to leave the room but really going to bed, the time Mom invited some friends over just after she and Dad were married
34. For always being worthy and willing to give us blessings
35. For skipping a grade
36. For riding Calgary's public transit by himself when he was five-years-old
37. For doing business with Vinta Joke
38. For sunflower seeds, pistachios, clementines, beef jerky, black socks, and blue robes
39. For loading so many rocks into a black garbage can that the arm on the garbage truck falls off when it tries to lift the can
40. For having poems from his youth memorized
41. For having a collection of keys
42. For proposing to Mom while he was on his mission
43. For always singing in ward choirs
44. For choosing to work from home
45. For taking kids with him on trips
46. For coming to watch his kids in plays, musicals, assemblies, road shows, concerts, games, and the like
47. For fasting for his kids when they don't know about it
48. For praying for his children
49. For not stopping at 7
50. For loving burnt cheese, meat ends, and crispy edges
51. For being so good at bartering and trades that he could qualify for Mountain Man status
52. For always using WordPerfect
53. For being spontaneous
54. For teaching us how to read the scriptures
55. For having a jolly demeanor
56. For having a calendar to write down every thing he does each day
57. For always singing tenor at church
58. For making us feel special
59. For sacrificing for his children
60. For being my Dad

Day 118: The man behind the camera

The other day I was going through a bunch of pictures trying to find some with dad and me. I went through close to 1,000 pictures and came up with very few. I had pictures of vacations, reunions, little league games, orchestra concerts, vocal concerts, school musicals, sporting events, assemblies, talent shows, hanging out with friends, eagle projects, church activities and many more things. There was only one thing missing from these pictures. Dad. I know he was there because I have a lot of pictures of mom and myself and a lot with the other siblings but not many with dad since he was always the one taking the picture. I am so grateful that one; dad is so supportive of all our activities and always has been there to cheer us on and two; that he has been so good at photo-documenting the events for all of us. I only wish that I had more pictures of just the two of us. I think this one sums you up pretty well though. I love you dad and I am happy that you're our "papa meal" as Porter says it.

here is a little gem I found from some sort of outing at Snydermill. 

 

Or this

or this?

Day 117: Kelly's Limerick

Kelly Maudsley, one of dad's favorite mission companions and friends over the years thoughtfully sent this limerick:

A beautiful girl named RuthAnn
Fell in love with a wonderful man
His name was Neil
They sealed the deal
Then proceeded to make a whole clan
_ _ der t_e c_ _ v _ rs

He was born on the last day of May
All his family and friends said Hooray!
He’s a bit older now
Survived eight kids somehow
And, he dashingly handsome in grey!

Happy Birthday Neil!

Surprisingly, I could only find one picture of Kelly over the years, from one of the many mission reunions dad held at our home. He's the handsome devil on the far left.

Day 116: Travellin Man Part 2

Dad is a spontaneous traveler. Due to the nature of media trips and his advertising with Morris Travel, he had a standing deal with them to notify him if there were any flights with lots of available seats. If dad could fill them, they would sell the tickets at a deep discount.

This led to a few really exciting surprise trips. One that stands out is our trip to Puerta Vallarta when I was in jr. high. I got home from school in the afternoon, and walked into my dad's office. "How would you like to go to Mexico tomorrow?" he asked. At first I was excited, and then my heart sank. I was in a school performance and would miss the important rehearsals. "Just call the faculty advisor" he said. "I'm sure she'll understand."

Well she didn't understand. I got an earful about responsibility this and commitment that. I can't really remember because I was thinking more about what I would need to pack for Mexico!

Even though one day's notice sounds spontaneous, I've actually been given even shorter notice than that. When I was in fourth grade, I got home from school one day and as was my routine, ambled into the office to see what Gary, Duane, Pat and my Dad were up to. Gary was gone for the day, but Dad looked up from his desk. Our conversation went something like this:

Dad: How would you like to run an errand with me?

Me: Sure. What is it?

Dad: One of my clients knows an airplane pilot, and he think he could take us up to fly in a circle around Salt Lake, to see the city from the air. Would you like that?

Me: [incredulous]. Uhh, yeah!

Dad: When we get there, I'll need to just go talk to my client. I didn't tell him you were coming, so I just need to go make sure it's alright.

When we got to the airport, dad sat me down on one of the chairs with a TV built in. He started up an episode of Cheers, and headed off to his "meeting." About 30 mins later, he showed up and said "He says that should be fine. There are lots of people going, but you'll still get a seat by the window to see the city."

As far as I remember, this was my first time on an airplane. I was so excited and super distracted by all the things that I didn't hear a word the pilot said. When we took off, we flew straight out north over the lake, then turned 180 to head south, straight down the middle of the valley. Dad showed me our house, the parks nearby, the mountains, then soon we passed Utah Lake and the BYU campus. I started getting worried. "Dad, you should tell him he's going a little too far. We need to be back for dinner."

"OK." Dad said. "I'll let him know."

A few moments later when the captain came back over the speaker he said something like "We'll be arriving in Los Angeles in just over an hour…"

Man, I lost it. "What?! Dad, he said we're flying to Los Angeles. I think we got on the wrong plane! How do we get off this thing?!!? I can't go to Los Angeles. Mom will be so worried! We didn't pack any bags!"

Dad just chuckled and explained that mom knew about this plan and had already packed my clothes. We were going on a special trip, just the two of us. We went to Disneyland (where I got lost… shocking), an Angels game, and I loved every minute of it. Best surprise ever.

Another favorite trip with dad was a quick trip to Hawaii before my mission. Dad and I visited the big island, swam with sea turtles, flew in a helicopter over the volcano, and cruised around the island in a sport red convertible. Dad, that was a great tradition that I hope I can carry on with my own children. I guess I'd better start saving my money.

Day 115: The Great Elder LeBaron

Evelyn Marshall sent over a couple of excerpts from President Marshall's (dad's mission president) journal:

RJM Australian Journal December 4, 1972

Mon., Dec. 4 --- I stayed up late working over a ‘roo skin for Elder LeBaron. He has now been with us, sans the five weeks spent in Whyalla with Matthew, since our arrival 16 months ago. He is just great, and mere words cannot express the affection we feel for such outstanding elders.

RJM Australian Journal March 16, 1972

FAITH PROMOTING STORY: I have been distressed at locating and calling another assistant to go with Elder Nordfors for the next months. I thought of Elder _______ as an interim choice. He goes home in May. He’s not as strong as others; but I couldn’t decide on them; I’d have a more sure feeling by May. However Elder Maxfield tells me that earlier on his mission he wasted much time. Can’t a man repent? Yes, but we looked to others: Wilkey, Lambert, Carlile. Back and forth we toyed with these names. I threw in others, LeBaron, Geo. Jackson, Penfold, Grover, et al., but we ended up with the above three, shifting about their names as preference dictated, but holding to these three each time we cast a written ballot. Then I started saying to myself, yes, but Elder Nordfors, strong as he is, is weak in English and writing . . . and so are the three finalists. Where is the man with the erudition to help carry off the many written programs we’ll be using on our new Xerox press? I started looking at the files, going over the letters written me by the finalists. They were weak. And then I thought of Michael Larsen, the new financial secretary. He’s going for a PhD in physics. I opened his file and picked out three letters. Two were handwritten and showed ability and skill. But the third, typewritten, was a perfect delight! It showed a wide range of things: excellent structure, vocabulary, depth, spirituality coupled with a pleasant humor. Eureka! I’ve found my man. Then I came to the last page and looked at the signature: NBL. In filing someone had misplaced in Elder Larson file a letter belonging next door, to Neil B. LeBaron. But I had my man. We will call him back from Whyalla, and I thank the Lord for his great persistence with me.

Day 114: Mr. Incredible

Neil is an amazing Husband, Father, Friend, Advocate, and Humanitarian. I’ve had the privilege of working with Neil for three plus years. Most of us see him as the Trade Guru and he is, but he does so much more to bless the lives of those around him. The opportunity to get the inside scoop on Neil is an eye opener. I can’t tell you how many times we have been talking about a current event or some client or relative and we get all choked up and feel like we need to go out for steaks afterward to remember our manhood.

Some highlights that I enjoy about Neil are his humanitarian efforts. First and foremost is his dedication to the welfare of his family, what an example of putting people first above all else. Second he has dedicated a good portion of his life to American Indian Services because he believes that AIS can make a real difference in the lives of our Lamanite brothers and sisters. He donates a lot of time, love and trade and monetary assistance to AIS, another example of putting people above all else. Third would be his calling as a stake humanitarian missionary, where he goes above and beyond to fulfill that calling. He has helped the Church fund dozens of humanitarian projects the past three years. I could go into more detail on these projects but just know they are wonderful reflection of who he is. I love him for these things.

Neil your example of love and concern for others inspires me to be a better humanitarian. Thank you for your example, faith and encouragement. I love you.

Day 113: Simple Gifts

If you have worked alongside Neil whether it be in the yard, around the house, or helping someone move, you have most certainly been influenced my Neil's mastery of "simple machines". Over the years there have been myriad times that I have witnessed these machines in action. Allow me to to illustrate.
But first a review of the six fundamental simple machines
Lever
Wheel and axle
Pulley
Inclined Plane
Wedge
Screw

While the temptation of most people when faced with a difficult task is to approach head on to overcome it by brute force. Which in the case of the LeBaron boy's means to employ trick ankles, faulty backs, mediocre coordination (at best) , and soft uncalloused hands. Neil simply stands back and evaluates the situation only to then suggest the implementation of one or many of the above listed machines.

Here are just  a few examples.
Wheel and axel: If you have participated in a family move there are two things you are familiar with. #1 a moving dolly and #2 the infamous silver rolling cart. Dating back to the move to Holladay Blvd. Neil had aquired a small silver four wheeled cart which had a small length of nylon cord attached. This cart would usually have a piece of carpet on the top and would then be used to move heavy objects such as grandfather clocks, hutches, desks, etc.. This cart has also been the cause of many painful injuries including but not limited to rolled ankles (see above), bruised and sprained Achilles tendons, falls, and stubbed toes.

Wedge: A wedge comes in many forms. When it relates to dad I think a knife is the best example. I remember laying sod at the Holladay home and dad was showing us how to lay the sod like a course of bricks and how to patch it all together. When it came to going around the curved flower beds he produced a couple small Cutco paring knives and showed us how to cut the grass to fit the rounded edges of the concrete curbing. Mom wasn't too happy when she found that her nice knives had been dulled by grass, dirt, and rocks in the sod. Come to think of it she wasn't really too surprised either. 

Inclined plane: When moving things in to the basement of the Cottonwood Heights home many are familiar with the ramp of death created on the stairs. Dad placed two long pieces of wood on the stairs and began sliding boxes down instead of carrying them down one by one. This seemed to be a good idea except for when no one was there to receive the boxes and they would fall off the ramp or they would come flying across the tile in the basement kitchen.

Screw: Need I say more? If you have ever seen Neil empty his pockets you will find the following.
 A Pen, eye glasses, cracked sunflower seed remnants, breath mints, loose change, a partially used kleenex, and screws or a screw driver. Neil has a great understanding of screws and the mechanical advantage they provide from 12" lag screws used in the construction of the Brighton cabin to tiny eyeglass screws I have seen them all come out of dad's pockets.

Thank you dad for instilling in me the usefulness of each of these machines. People give me the strangest looks when I suggest using a lever or fulcrum to lift something.I may not have the strongest dad but I do have the smartest.

Day 112: The Trade King

Early on in our advertising career, the lure of trade opened its jaws and drew us in with many happy and outrageous opportunities. One of the very first personal trades we made was for the play chalet. I was driving down Highland Dr. one day and saw a play chalet in a vacant lot close to 33^rd South. I encouraged Dad to call the advertised phone number and pretty soon Dad had a new client and we had a play chalet. I saw my first microwave oven that was about the size of a standard oven in a foods class in college. I was so mesmerized by its capabilities, that I vowed one day to own one. Imagine my surprise when just a few years later I saw the new improved counter top version (still about twice as big as what all of you own). Happy Day—they carried them at Sterling Furniture and we had another trade client.

Dad very easily understood the concept of trade and what it could do for our family – piano lessons, Maverik bucks, trips to Europe, McPhies, mattresses, antiques, etc. Although it has often led to conspicuous consumption, it has been a lot of fun and source of many a family outing over the years. The great thing is that Dad has just become smarter and smarter about trade and I really admire the convoluted way his mind works when presented with a tricky 8-way trade. Neil, your mind is amazing and your generosity with your talent and gift of insight is legendary! One of these days, we know you’ll figure out the ultimate vacation for all 38 or maybe 50 by then of us. When it comes right down to it, we wouldn’t trade you for the world.

Day 111: The Sands of Time

At dinner with friends the other night, we started to talk about high school and then wondered where we would be in another 10 years. Rob and I came to the astounding realization that we could be grandparents within 10 years. How could this happen? Where has the time gone? 

It made me think of Dad. I have often heard him quote Jacob 7:26 in regards to his family growing up.

"The time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream."

I've also been thinking about this song from Mindy Gledhill: "Hourglass"

When you reach for the stars

Don't forget who you are

And please don't turn around and grow up way too fast

See the sand in my grasp

From the first to the last

Every grain becomes a memory of the past

Oh, life's an hourglass 

Life's an hourglass

Here are a few sands from that hourglass. Enjoy them as they slip past...

Kindergarten: Dad, thanks for instilling and encouraging a lifelong love of learning.

I can't remember if this gem has been featured (it wasn't in the family photos post)--but Thank you, Dad, for the wonderful photo legacy, round heads, and wild hair. I don't know if you can take credit for my awesome bangs or Mary's sexy pout, but we do take a nice family picture!

Marcie Livingstone Curtis and me after a summer fling with Sun-In and baby oil. Thanks Dad, for your great example and encouragement of good cousin relationships! (And the bangs just get better over time.)

f

Thanks Dad for my brief modeling and tv commercial career. I loved my 10 minutes of fame.

Dad and I dancing at Jeannie Livingstone's wedding. Thanks for dancing with me Dad!

Thank you, Dad, for a dreamy princess wedding and the best example ever of what joy and blessings a happy marriage can bring.

(Rob) Dad, thanks for not only saying "yes," but "heck yes" when I asked for Flori's hand in marriage. I still remember sitting nervously in the wingback office chair in the canyon rim office waiting for you to get off of your call so that I could talk to you about our intentions. You listened patiently for about 30 seconds and then started dialing the temple to schedule dates. I hadn't even proposed to Flori yet.

Day 110: The game of Chess

Dad taught me to play chess. He would let me choose any three pieces to take off of his side and we would play. As I learned to play a little better the number decreased to two and then to one and finally we each played with a full set of pieces. Dad told me that if I could beat him three times in a row that he would give me twenty dollars. This was all the motivation that I needed and soon had dad playing chess with me quite often in an attempt to win twenty dollars. It took a long time and many many games but I finally beat him three times in a row and got the twenty dollars. As a kid I thought that the real prize in this was the twenty dollars. Now that I'm older I realize the real value wasn't in the twenty dollars but rather in the time that I was able to spend with Dad and in learning a skill that would help me in life. No, playing a game isn't the skill, but playing chess requires a lot of thought and analytical skills that I use now.

Thanks for taking the time to play and teach and for knowing how to motivate me.

Day 109: Everything Bad Happens to Dad

As a missionary, I remember getting weekly letters from Dad. I'm pretty sure that Dad has about 12 plus years of weekly letters to missionaries. That is impressive.

My trainer, Sister Cassens, was a convert to the church and didn't get much mail from home, so I indulged her by reading these weekly letters aloud. It was always fun to hear the news and catch up on what was going on, but there was a special segment that we always looked forward to reading. The segment was titled: Everything Bad Happens to Dad.

My favorite story was the time that Dad went to help make the bed. In an attempt to be dramatic, he threw the feder Decke up in the air to fluff it up. What he didn't realize, was that it caught on the chandelier and so when he brought it down with his dramatic flair, he also brought down the chandelier.

This section included spilling things in the car like linseed oil, pickle juice, or gasoline. It included hammered fingers, car accidents, lost items, etc. By the way,I think I'm cursed for writing this post because it has erased the second half of my post for the 3rd time in a row. Sad. Everything bad happens to Maggie.

I am always impressed, however, by Dad's optimism. He has such a good attitude, and whether

Day 108: My Grandpa

I have been waiting to write this entry for so long and have had plenty of thinking time, but I could only ever think of how Grandpa has unconditionally loved us all, and his kind, warm spirit. The 13 amazing years I've known Grandpa, not once have I heard him raise his voice, or utter an unkind word. There is no such thing as saying no when it comes down to Grandpa, and I'm so grateful for that.

I have so many fantastic memories with him, going to matinee's, theme parks, and restaurants,etc. Although I love doing those things, it's the small things that count. The endless matches of Clue or Rummy, listening to the piano play away beautiful lullaby's, or when he shows me something new. In a way I'm glad I live in Colorado because that means I cherish every moment with my loved ones, with Grandpa. There is no blessing greater than being a part of this loving family. And if anything I wish there was saying that said, Granddaughter like Grandfather, and that it could be true.

Love, Evie

Day 107: The Miracle Courtship

I know most of the family knows about our courtship, but I thought it would be interesting to read about some of the steps in our courtship that we both know were more than coincidence. Think of Bob his first year of college (they are look a likes). Just like Bob, Dad started college at BYU the summer after he graduated when he was barely 17. He transferred to the Jr. College in Ventura, CA. where he worked on a pre-med degree. It didn’t take long to realize that his real love was English. Dad changed his major and went to Summer school again at BYU.

Neil had nowhere to go the short time between Summer School and Fall Semester and so he was one of the few residents at Stover Hall. Originally, Neil was assigned to the 2nd floor and was in a different ward. The Matron of the Dorms was encouraged by Dad’s friendliness and easy going personality. She asked him if there were any chance he would be willing to room with a fellow that had a hard time with roommates. Neil agreed and that was the beginning of our miracle courtship.

I naively came to BYU with no arrangements for housing. I planned to live with Grandma and Grandpa Adams and commute until I found something. I had made friends with a fun girl from our stake at Youth Conference and so knowing no one else at BYU, we started spending time at her apartment. I immediately asked the apartment managers if there were any openings. There were none at the time, but I put my name on the wait list and then the second miracle happened. Mary Ann and Elsa’s roommate couldn’t get the classes she wanted and went home to Idaho to work until the next semester. Because the manager knew me and of course liked me, I jumped to the top of the wait list and moved in and the very next week Neil and I were in the same ward.

Miracle #3 was that Neil and his roommate were assigned to be in our FHE group. In case you didn’t know, my ebullient spirit has mellowed a bit over the years, but when I introduced myself to Neil that Sunday, he thought I was a bit much over the top and thought I was coming on to him. He resolved in his heart to never give me the satisfaction of ever asking me out. When we had our first FHE my opinion of Dad was that he was really insecure and not very committed to the gospel since he was not planning on a mission until the Summer and here he was a junior in college!

There were lots of twists and turns in the plot over the next 6 months, but in the end, Neil and I met on a wintry Sunday morning and he told me of his desire to date. So much for his vow and of course, during those months I realized he was full of confidence and very committed to the gospel and was only held back by his tender age of 18.

Miracle #4 was that even with several humorous misunderstandings that led me to give Neil the ultimatum of either date me or don’t, but if you do date me, I expect a commitment. Always good for his word, Neil was, is and will be forever committed to me.

Day 106: Travellin' Man: Part 1

Dad has been all over the world on his media trips. He's been to every continent (other than Antarctica) and I'm sure he lost count long ago of the amount of countries he's visited. It's got to be over 40. His love for travel is contagious. I've often thought about quitting my job to go work for an airline… just for the travel benefits.

There's an old saying "While the cat's away, the mice will play." I have many memories of things that happened while mom and dad were out of town. Typically, Neil and Ruth Ann would get their parents or one of their married siblings to come over to the house and watch us while they were gone. Then the fun began. Here are a few memories that happened while the cats were away:


1. Several things from the mother never knew post happened while Mom and Dad were out of town. Uncle Bob was babysitting when I tried to throw our cat Boots out the window, and when John and I wore baby Bob's diapers.

2. Tom's birthdays. Though I'm not familiar with the statistics, I seem to recall that mom and dad missed the majority of Tom's birthdays, leaving him with an irreversible martyr complex.

3. The 3 car pileup. While Dan and Jen watched us during one trip, Dan crashed our 15 passenger van into a small pickup truck, which got sandwiched into the SUV in front of it. Luckily no one was hurt, but I flew about 6 feet forward and hit my hands on the windshield.

4. I was particularly bossy when mom and dad were out of town, taking it upon myself to rule in self-righteous splendor. Once, when the older kids were going to watch a PG-13 movie I told the younger boys they had to leave because the movie wasn't appropriate for them. Uncle Dan told me "If something is not appropriate for them, it's probably not appropriate for you." Well played Dan.

Our favorite part of our parents' trips was the day they came home. They would lay out their suitcases on the floor and pull out trinkets and goodies they had brought home for each of us. Sometimes it was something small like a keychain or seashells, but almost always involved some local treat. My all-time favorite prize they brought home was from their visit to Hong Kong. They brought home matching karate pajamas for me, Jim and John.

Thanks mom and dad, for thinking of us on your trips and making us feel especially loved when you got home. Thank you for sharing your love of travel. And thanks most of all for sometimes taking us with you.

Day 105: Like Father, Like Son (I hope)

A couple of weeks before Grandpa Arthur LeBaron passed away, he ordained me a deacon from the hospital bed in his living room. Unbeknownst to me, dad was recording that blessing and eventually transcribed it and gave me a copy. The blessing was highly patriarchal in nature and has guided me through many big decisions in my life. In that blessing, Grandpa Art spoke a lot about the patriarchal order and promised that—as I progressed in life—I would take part in that patriarchal order and witness more and more of the Lord's truths unfolded before me. When I blessed Kai as a baby, I felt prompted to center his blessing around the deep significance of being a son.

The scriptures are replete with symbolism pertaining to the father-son relationship (Adam, Abraham, Joseph of Egypt, Christ, Joseph Smith). Only within the past three or four years have I started to transition from viewing myself as a son to viewing myself as a father. 

Dad, I will be eternally grateful that you were chosen (and chose to be!) my father. I have always felt honored to be your son. I feel a heavy sense of obligation and gratitude to my own sons (and daughter) as I move forward in the patriarchal order and pray that I can be the half the father to them that you were to me.

I have always felt unconditionally loved. I have always felt admired. And I have always felt proud to be your son—even in your weakest moments—and mine.

Here's to eternity.

John Christian

Day 104: Elsha Guy

Remember this stuff? Funny that it's called "The Aristocrat of Cologne". Rob happens to have an old bottle of this from his Grandpa's stash and the smell of it brings back such memories of my Dad in his younger, early fatherhood days. I have always been happy to have a dad who smells nice. Other colognes that remind me of him are Obsession and Clinique Happy for men. What else has he worn over the years and what was your favorite?