fAMiLy fRiDay ~ My Dear Sweet Dad

Preface:
*O Yasumi Nasai is Japanese for Goodnight.
*No, you may not steal my daddy away.

Thomas C. Perry III was born June 8, 1950. He grew up in Kalispell, MT with 4 sisters and wonderful parents. My dad is the one who taught us how to pray. As small children, he'd kneel with us at our bed at night while we said our personal prayers. Then came the tuck-in routine. Once in our bed he'd put a hand on each side of us and bounce us on the mattress while chanting: "Goodnight, all night, O Yasumi Nasai, don't let the bed bugs bite. If they do, hit 'em with a shoe until they're black and blue, I LOVE YOU!" "Again Daddy, again!" But, he'd only do it once. (However, he did bend a little on getting me "one more" drink of water if I persisted). I enjoyed this quality time so much every night. Later in my high school years, he'd still tuck me in and kiss me goodnight...but the mornings weren't as tender when he was reminding me for the 3rd time to get out of bed or I was going to be late for school! Heehee. I was lucky enough to have him help me wake up!

I was the little girl who wanted to marry her Daddy when she grew up.
My Dad is a hard worker! He bailed hay at a very young age and his father taught him to manage money well. I'm grateful that he instilled that same in each of us. He got a Bachelor's Degree in Japanese and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He has worked for roughly 3 decades for the Government as an Auditor. (The Governmental Accountability Office, formally known as The General Accounting Office). He will be retiring soon and is looking forward to it!

Now let's go back: Not many know this...but my Dad was an athlete! He was a gymnast who trained 3-4 hours a day at one point. His body was so strong from his training that he could go from laying on his stomach with his palms flat on the ground into a handstand position ~ no joke. He could also walk on his hands up and down the stairs! (At almost age 60, he also can still do an aerial off a diving board and can walk on his hands). In 1969 he got 14th place in the National Title of Gymnastics all around. In 1970, he qualified to try out for a spot in the Olympics but chose to serve a mission instead.

He served a full and honorable mission in Japan and still keeps in touch with some of the the people he met and baptized there.

My Dad likes to listen to the Beatles and Johnny Cash. His favorite movies are The Majestic, A Blast from the Past and Back to the Future. (Notice a trend)?

Thanks to Dad, all of us kids know how to water ski. He has spent countless, patient hours driving the boat for our fun. (Not to mention gas money)! This picture is of my sis Marisha getting up on skiis on Swan Lake, MT.My dad has a way of making me feel beautiful, unique and capable. He recently said to a friend of mine who was driving me to the airport, "Please drive safely; you are transporting precious cargo." Aww! Makes me want to cry when I think of how much love he has.

This is an old fashioned picture that Mom and Dad took on their honeymoon. Even though it was for fun, they looked all stern and distinguished.Well don't let their serious expression fool you!! The following picture reveals the family that they created over the last 31 years due to their sense of humor and good nature!I am honored to have the Father I do. He is hilarious and just cute!

I love you Dad. I know you were specifically chosen to be my Father and chose Mom to be my Mother. HAPPY 31st ANNIVERSARY ON THE 28th!.
I'm blessed to have you both ~ keep taking care of each other now that you're empty nesters!

Dad, another adventurous chapter of your life begins now! :)