To the Best Dad I could ever ask for for my children (A note to Landon)

To my babies' daddy, 

(Chapter 13)

I am so excited to write this note to you mostly because I get to share some amazing examples of how you are such a great dad, but also because it gives me the opportunity to say THANK YOU for helping me create this family. 

Harold B Lee once said, "The most important of the Lord's work you and I will ever do with be within the walls of your own home".  You demonstrate this everyday by making us your number one priority and by showing us each day how much you love all of us and would do anything for each and every one of us. You are an amazing example to our children and a dynamite dad! 

In the Proclamation it says, "By divine design, fathers are to PRESIDE over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to PROVIDE the necessities of life and PROTECTION for their families.....in these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners".  

To PRESIDE

"Fathers who embrace the principle that fathering means “to preside . . . in love and righteousness” have an anchoring principle and a spiritual focus for their fathering efforts designed to bless the children and families they love"

When I hear the word preside, I think of a spiritual leader. You have always made the gospel a priority in your life which as then allowed you to lead our family in righteousness. I love how you and I work as a team in bringing our family together for family prayer and family scripture study. Together we have created an environment in our home which allows the spirit to dwell.

To PROVIDE

"To provide in fathering is to assume the stewardship of meeting children’s needs and offering opportunities for their development, as well as dedicating one’s time, energy, and resources for the benefit of the next generation"

As a provider, you have always made sure our physical needs are taken care of. However, my most favorite way you provide for our family is by giving our children opportunities to learn. Often times I see you taking the time to teach our children even at a very small age. Sometimes I think they might even be too small to understand, but you are always willing to be patient and provide them with a learning opportunity. 

To PROTECT

"One definition of protecting in fathering might be to arouse one’s sense of responsibility and actively work to ensure that children avoid risks or personal harm by modeling positive behaviors, mentoring children in personal abilities, and monitoring their behaviors and environments"

When I think of how a father can protect his family, my thoughts go to what is taught in the home. You have always worked hard at teaching our children about the responsibilities of life. You have always been a good example in setting high standards in our home and teaching good moral values. As we continue to teach our children the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are offering protection from Satan and hopefully helping them to avoid the negative consequences that come from sin. 

I love you! I love that I have a righteous loving man in my home that presides, provides and protects my family. I feel very blessed to have met you 27 years ago and look forward to the rest of eternity together with you.

Love, Melissa

Hawkins, A.J., Dollahite, D.C., & Draper, T.W. (2011). Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives. Utah: Brigham Young University.