A New Father to the list

I wanted to continue this tribute to those who have made deep impressions on me, and with Father's Day quickly approaching us, I found it appropriate to focus on the male figures in my life. Obviously the many Fathers I have known quickly come to mind, especially a new Father that I can proudly add to the list. 

Here is to you, Chuck Brantingham. Here is to the kindness and love that comes through within moments of meeting you. Here is to your ability to captivate any audience, no matter the subject and no matter the group. Here is to your wonderful hugs, and the wonderful smile that makes me feel right at home. Here is to your character and your insurance that everything will always work out, not because you think it might, but because you will make sure it will. Here is to your incredible work ethic, and your ability to find joy in your job no matter the years behind you. Here is to your desire to help and care for your children no matter the hour and no matter what you might have going on. You would do anything for them and that sums up your character perfectly. Here is to the fact that I know, without words ever having to be said, that you would do anything for me as well and that love and support is incredibly comforting. Here is to the joy you find in life, and your incredible computer skills. Here is to your love for science fiction, and your confidence in always being a dork when it comes to that. I hope you know, you are possibly the most endearing dork I have ever met. Here is to the laughter you bring out of people, and the way you magnify your callings in life whether they are church related or not. Here is to the honor you hold from being a priesthood holder, and it is honor that you have passed onto your sons; something that greatly affects me and something I am incredibly grateful for. Here is to the example you set in your household, one in which I will always admire. Here is to your wisdom, and your ability to take gospel principles into every avenue of life. Here is to your power that comes through when you bear your testimony, letting us know and feel your love for the Lord. Here is to you, future father-in-law. You welcomed me into your home with loving arms, and have continued to share that love with me. I always had a picture in my mind of what I wanted my future family to be like, and your family fits into the mold perfectly. You are such a great example to me, and through the short time I have known you, you have taught me so much about what fatherhood means. Thank you for your support, and for sharing so much of your history with me. It is through our past that we can learn more about the future, and your ability to bring the past to us will always be something I am envious of. Thank you for raising such an incredible son. So much of his strength is that same strength I see in you. The Lord knew exactly what I needed, and I thank him every day for bringing your family into my life. There are so many hugs ahead of us, so many more smiles, many more laughs, and many more stories, and I cannot wait for any of it. I proudly put you on my Father wall, a wall of incredible men who do nothing but amaze me.