Christmas Day 2010

The reception...

(above photo by Leonard Nolt)

To My Dad on Father's Day

Dear Dad,

Clarence Budington Kelland once said, "He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."

Growing up, I watched you live your life. I watched you from my warm bed as you would get up for work late in the evening, knowing that while I spent my night sleeping, you would spend yours working. I watched you through the car window on a deserted highway as you took pictures of the unusual tree, the dilapidated building, or the paint-chipped sign. I listened when you would read snippets of your books out loud to Mom and giggle at the humor. I sung along when you chanted with your four eager daughters that "Anything boys can do, girls can do better!" I have watched you buy a hybrid car and XeroScape your lawn as you voiced concern for our environment. I watched you march with signs to protest injustice and war. I watched you get excited about BSU basketball games and trips to the library and I paid attention to the fact that you let me take home more books than I could carry, never even hinting that I wouldn't be able to finish them in the short weeks they were borrowed. It was through watching you live your life, make your choices, and do your work that I began to learn how to make my way through my own life.

You have taught me so much! I have learned from you the value of a healthy body (while not always adopting your conviction about exercise!) . You have shown me the importance of learning, for learning's sake alone. You have instilled in me a desire to know about world events. You have shown me what it means to have consistency in thoughts and practices. You have been an example of what it means to be like Jesus- combining acceptance of others with conviction of beliefs. You have taught me that 'feminist' is not a bad word, and that getting an education is more important than getting married. And, to this day, I still remember that, after discovering that an older man was watching and following me around the store, you began following me yourself to make sure that I was safe. Due to that experience, I am still very aware and cautious of my surroundings because (without you saying a word to me about it) I realized then that not all people have my best interest in mind.

It is because of you that I am a learner and a writer. I have watched you attend course after college course, finishing one writing assignment after another, never realizing until years later that you could have had that second degree if you would only have taken one more math course. I have seen your unending compassion and delight as you guide our decisions and shape our lives through your example and your leadership, always encouraging us to be strong and independent women. You taught me how to make a can of Pork & Beans, how to straighten up the piles of books and papers, how to get an 'A', how to be honest, how to persevere, how to live with integrity, how to be an individual, how to accept others, and how to love God while validating all faiths and those who serve them. The learner and writer I have become has shaped my identity as I have sought to find my own creativity and individuality. I experience joy through learning each and every day because you have taught me the value of knowledge, and the importance of sharing it with others.

And, most importantly, you have shown me what it is to care. I am amazed by your enthusiasm, loyalty, and your sense of humor, Dad. It shines through when you send birthday cards to every person you have ever met, when you eagerly loan your favorite new CD or book to a friend, when you laugh at yourself for tripping and falling on your walk home from work, when you serve your church community on compassionate committees. Even though I had to look up on Wikipedia to find out that Clarence Budington Kelland was a writer (how appropriate!) and a Republican (how ironic!), his quote epitomizes your influence on my life. You have shown me through your example how to live my life and I know that I am a better person because I call you 'Dad'! Thank you for loving me.

Love,
Marika

P.S. Happy Birthday!

May 18, 1973

Thirty-five years ago today, my parents got married.

(Lucky for Nathan. Otherwise, he would be standing in the middle of a messy house, his stomach rumbling, and his shaggy hair covering the lost look in his eyes as he searches in vain for the glasses he can never seem to find!)

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!