Happy Father's Day

Brent is the father of 4 girls. This means he is universally adored. He's also subject to a panoply of emotions and not a tearless day goes by in this house. He is also given tiny kisses and hugs around the neck with the smallest of hands.
Being the father of girls means he finds bows in his suit pockets, and tiny socks--victims of static electricity--in his t-shirts. It means a steady budget for clothes and shoes that seemingly just clutter the house rather than get worn.
Being the father of girls means Brent gets unwanted sympathy from outsiders who think his life is tragic for not having a boy. These people must not know the joy of girls and therein lies the true tragedy.
Being the father of girls means Brent has deepening worry lines on his forehead and a growing silver streak on his temple. A mortgage, college tuitions, missions, weddings... those have to be worked out on the grand balance-sheet in his mind.
Being the father of girls means Brent is a jungle gym as his little ones beg for a ride to bed. When they have tired him for attention, he turns their whines into frantic giggles as he tickles them mercilessly.
Being the father of girls means after Brent has fulfilled his many obligations at work, he comes home to a very demanding toddler who at once orders him around yet plants him at the center of her universe.
Being the father of girls means Brent rarely enjoys a whole sacrament meeting in the chapel. Following the direction of Boyd K Packer, if he is not seated on the stand it is his duty to take care of fussy children.
Being the father of girls means Brent rarely hears of the admiration of others in our congregation as he grabs a girl in her fluffy dress and marches purposefully down the aisle... avoiding looks and being drowned out by a wailing, "Nooooooo DADDY!!!"
Being the father of girls means Brent is a dance dad. He helps wash the leotards and tights, pays for the classes and recital fees and then grins as he watches his girls plie and arabesque across a stage.
Being the father of girls means Brent wakes every morning to a tiny face and tiny hands probing to see if he is awake yet. He often pulls that little body into bed for some cuddle time and once she is sufficiently warm, wriggles right back out to start the day... long before Brent ever would willingly.
Being the father of girls means Brent is the protector of hearts. When they are damaged by hurt feelings, his is the first name on the girls' lips. He takes this role seriously and takes care to soothe them and make them feel loved.

Happy Father's Day to the man who is a wonderful father to our girls!