10 Years

It's kinda hard to top all the things my sister Emily said about our dad in her blog, but i'd like to  also state in writing the things that come to mind when this day of the year comes around. Delmar Oviatt Templeman April 30th, 1951 - December 2nd, 2000. Dec 2nd, 2000 is a day i'll never forget. It's a day that's screened into my mind, that i could replay over and over; every word spoken, every person who was there.etc This is a letter i would write to him today.

Dear Dad, 
If i were to describe you in a sentence i would have to say, you were a manly man with the heart of a teddy bear. 
By touch & appearance: You had the softest eyes, the scruffiest beard, the hardest belly, a warm body, a great smile, hard working hands & big feet.  
From a distance: You would show you were a caring father, a caring man in general, hard worker, & a jokester. 
Hobbies: You were an adventures man, who loved the outdoors. Who loved squash, canoeing, & driving the ATV. 

Somethings i think of often are: 
- The way you would push the grocery cart
- The way you would dance, stirring the pot was my favourite- you would put your two fists together stir the air pot and bit your bottom lip to then make your beard flip up on his chin. It was the funniest face ever. 
- The way you would make a hard situation into something that we could all move past
- The way you taught me to appreciate the things i have, rather then focus on the things i didn't
- The way you would conduct the music, by throwing your arms in the air & moving your body all around
- The way you would let me do my "cool" dances for you
- They way we would have awesome dance parties
- The way you help me with my school projects, & tell me i'm the BEST in my class just because of that one project (i think you were a little to proud of yourself on a couple of those)
- The encouragement you gave me to go and be married in the temple
- The blessings you would give me before i started my school year
- The smell of the burnt duck on thanksgiving 
- The way you be friended everyone
- The way you would shake the salt shaker
- The one time Emily was yelling at you and called you GAY, and you said well Emily you're a LESBIAN! (priceless)
- The way i see so much of you in each of my siblings
- Your quick wit
- The way you always put family first!

You're the best father i could ever ask for. Even though i only got you for a short while, i wouldn't trade what we had in for anything! Thank you for helping me through the hard times in life, helping me to know right from wrong. Being there in my heart when i was getting married, helping me know that Kyle is my eternal companion. You'd be amazed with how much i see your characteristics in kyle, the way you both roll a sleeping bag, the way you fit all the groceries into 1 box instead of 5, the way you both work so hard inside & out, the way you both love me unconditionally. I guess you really do marry pieces of your parents, although he's nothing like mom. hahaha I love you so much dad, and i'm happy you're in a better place. I can't wait to see you again- if you're lucky maybe we can have a fun dance party again. I hope you're well, till me meet again. 
Love always 
YOUR favourite daughter Britty (we all know that's the truth)