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