Happy Birthday Ann!

This is Me and Shadow - and we miss our Ann. My daughter, Ann Marie, turns 18 today. A sweet and fine young lady she has become. My heart is joyful but sad as "daddy's little angel" has grown up. But I couldn't be prouder or as Heavenly Father said about His Son, "In whom I am well pleased." I am well pleased and she will always have my heart and my everlasting love. Happy, Happy Birthday my dear! Para Bens Pra Voce! I decided to put together a special something to Ann in memory of the love she has shared for me and brought to me -- I call it 'An Ode to Ann Marie':

I couldn't believe the day had come...I questioned the nurse about 3 or 4 times, "are you sure the baby is coming today?" and "is this really going to happen now?", I think they were about ready to send me away...but they understood the excitement and could see the new daddy joyful glee about me, so they put up with me and allowed me to stay. My mission president, Sheldon Murphy (now my Uncle) told me once during my mission how special a daughter was and how much you will truly love her and want to do anything for her...I didn't understand then - but was now about to discover as you emerged from your Mother and your Spirit left the pre-existense to join your new body...it was evident then to me the journey of love I was about to begin with this sweet little angel of a daughter...

...curly haried and running around the yard we played catch with your ball and ran through the sprinklers...running along the beach avoiding the waves from getting us wet...I still have the socks you were baptized in, never been washed as new and pure as the fresh fallen snow...our first daddy/daughter church activity of which I cherish that picture repeatedly...the many songs I would make up on the fly as I would sing you to sleep...the many father's day poems and pictures you made for me - I quote just a few: "Here's a little poem I made for you, Unfortunately I couldn't do it in blue. I wanted to tell you how great you are, and if you ever played golf you'd always get par. And if you'd ever played basketball, You'd win them all! Whatever sport you play, I'll be by your side from day to day!" and "I give you a gift far better than the rest, it is prettier than a dove, it is the gift of love." and one of my all time favorites, "I may be getting older but I still will remember all them memories we shared together looking for star fishes on the beach, seeing disneyland and many more. The older I get I'll love you more, so here's my LOVE to have and to hold." (and it's written on a heart shape) I use this always as a book mark so that I will always have her love with me.

Ann has been patient with me throughout her years as I was learning how to be a father and dad. I am thankful for her love and jealous of her artistic abilities. I always admired my Dad for his abilities and talents and even though it passed by me, I'm so happy it went to her. She is definetly not burying her talents but sharing them and I love and respect her for that. I'm thankful that (as my partiarchal blessing states) she is a "choice young spirit" who had raised her arm to the square and wanted to experience earth life. I'm thankful that she knows of her nobility as a daughter of God and pray she always remains true to the godhood within her to become a priestess and a queen.

Thankyou my little angel for the memories that will fill my days in this life and eternity to follow. I look forward to being there for you, always, as you begin this new step and adventure of your life. Please remember my love is boundless for you and my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for having you as my daughter is endless.

Happy Birthday - Love Dad!