Friday, January 9, 2009

Happy Birthday King Dad

What is there to say about a man like William Tinsch? For those who have met my father, you understand the weight of that question. My dad is a unique soul who has blessed my life in ways he could never understand. My father and I seem to have a special bond that only a father and daughter could have. Because I am a carbon copy of him, he understands me better than most people in this world.

The relationship I have with my father is completely different than my mother. My mom has always been the guiding force in my life and the one who always watched out for me even when she had to be mean. My dad was always a friend, and someone who I got along with. But his opinion of me was so important to me that wouldn't tell him much about my life to avoid disappointing him. Growing up, I didn't spend a lot of time with him, but he'd always make time to go on daddy-daughter dates.

My dad has supported me in everything I've ever done. One thing that meant so much to me was when I decided to go on a mission I wasn't sure how my family would react, mostly my father. He isn't a member of my faith and I didn't know how he'd take it. He supported me every step of the way and even spoke at my farewell. I can't imagine how hard it would be to speak at a church that you don't belong to, but my dad made that sacrifice for me.

We've done many activities together including 2 years ago we trained for the Ulcer Century ride. It's a 100 mile bike ride around Utah Lake. We trained by riding around Bear Lake and doing long rides on the weekend. It was wonderful to be able to spend so much time with my dad especially doing something that he loves.

While he has a soft side to him, the majority of the time he is quite insane. He collects jars, he has a pet armadillo that he smuggled in from Mexico, he has an abacus on his study wall that he calls his calculator, he plays the banjo, and loves to laugh. He and I understand one another's humor and can practically read each other's mind. One time he was acting out the stone granite, and of course, I guessed it. I got quartz and the statue of David as well. He's so good at acting them out.

With the passing of my brother, I've seen a change in him. He wasn't always there to play and spend time with us growing up, but now that he's a grandfather he's amazing. He loves to spend time with his grandchildren and always talks about going fishing. He was so excited to take Kyson out on his yacht. My father has grown such a tender heart and people are drawn to him naturally. His many experiences in life have created the amazing man that William Tinsch is. Thank you dad for all you do, and I'm so blessed to have you in my life.
Thank you for the laughter,
For the good times that we share,
Thanks for always listening,
For trying to be fair.

Thank you for your comfort,
When things are going bad,
Thank you for the shoulder,
To cry on when I'm sad.

This poem is a reminder
that all my life through,
I'll be thanking Heaven
For a Special Dad like you.
By an unknown author

3 comments:

Gretchen said...

He is truly a wonderful man. None like him. I am blessed to call him my brother in law and best email buddy. You are special for sharing the feelings of your heart about this great man.

MADSEN'S said...

Kelli that is a wonderful and thoughtful tribute to dad. You two are so alike in so many ways.

Marnie said...

I think the bond you have with your dad is so awesome. If he is as much like you as you say - he must be pretty amazing.