Happy Father's Day Dad!
I know I'm a few days late but lately my dad has really made me proud, simply just by being my dad. Never do I not smile when I hear his voice, well sometimes when he's after me for "running around like a chicken with it's head cut off" but then he says something like that and I always end up shaking my head and laughing. Nobody can turn tears in to laughter like my dad, it's magic. He can even make a joke out of you and you're laughing harder than anyone, how's this possible? It's his charm, he has major charm. I love how you will never know if he's had a hard day, lost an election or a lot of money. He's always living in the moment and that seems to remain 4500 south and a Costco errand with my Mom. For traveling as what seems to be more than the President, his life is a simple one. It makes me smile when: I see his old Ford truck coming up the drive way (barely) to his beautiful home, to meet up with Dad on 7th east to pick out a Christmas tree in the cold winter weather while he's wearing a flimsy Steve Regan Jacket and a headband for the ears my Grandmother knitted. I loved the diamond on your tooth when you came back from Rome and walking in on you kissing Mom good bye for the day in the kitchen in the mornings.
My dad ALWAYS answers his phone (even in the movies), and always sound so happy to hear my voice "Well hello Mia darling, is the sun shining?" Maybe every little girl thinks their dad can solve anything, but my dad's a miracle worker. Hours before a girls trip to Europe we were checking off the list and my Dad asks "Where your Euro Rail Pass?" I respond like a chicken with it's head cut off, "What Euro Pass?". Waiting in Atlanta (sky miles buy a lot of layover time) and worrying about how I'm going to tell my friends how I spaced it, I hear on the intercom in the international airport "Will Miss Mia Harmsen please come to the ticket counter" like no big deal, the flight attendant hands me my Euro Pass. Dad you're my constant hero.
My Dad has to be the smartest man I've ever met. He just gets it, all of it. Nobody can be 100% street smart and book smart! He's the most down to earth, hard working, family guy I know. For those of you who know Mr. Steve, you're probably smiling right now- it's an effect he has on everyone. And if you have yet to meet him, it may take a few times but then you'll get it! Like kickboxing. My dad isn't you typical dad that teaches you how to ride a bike, although I do remember hitting balls at the Deseret Gym and well I guess teaching just wasn't his thing. But as I grow up and re-evaluate myself, the things I admire most about myself is not how well I can hit a ball, but how well I treat others and am I an honest and generous individual. I have not become even a part of my father but I've learned a lot and feel like "the luckiest girl in the whole world".
