My Dad

Don't let the fancy, expensive tennis shoes fool you. It's still hard! I don't remember ever being this out of shape. Well, this morning I did my workout the right way! I was movin' and groovin' for the first 2 rounds, then my body started to give out. I couldn't believe my heart and lung's ability were surpassing my muscle and bones'. Any advice Deni? I did finish, however, now my muscles are twiching. Now this week I'm supposed to be able to do 4 sessions. I'm thinking I'm going to skip tomorrow and then maybe run Thurs. and Fri. I know myself too well to think that I'll get up on Saturday to run. And I'm for sure not running on Sunday. I just hope I'm not doing any damage by not giving myself a day of rest in between. We shall see.

Seems that the kiddos had a great day at school yesterday. I remember when I was young, Mondays were so hard to get going after the weekend. Then again, I would have slept until afternoon if my mother had let me!

I've mentioned several times that the weather has been so wonderful these last few days. The kids barely drop their backpacks before flying right back out the door to "explore." It does my heart good that they are not behind the computer all the time. Of course, I realize that a few things have changed since I was a kid. Last night we were remembering that I didn't have a computer in my home until about junior high and Mike didn't have a cell phone until after he was married and well into college. I have vivid memories of playing out in the ditch, making mud pies or whatever until almost dark. Well, yesterday afternoon while Mike was watering the yard and I was keeping him company (such a tough job) we watched as the kids rode their bikes out to the back of the subdivision. All three so happily riding down the road with each other. It was a site to see.

We had family home evening last night around the dinner table. We discussed ways to recognize and give love (without the awful thought of having to actually say it to their siblings!) The kids each have their own special personality and a couple of them clash like the titans. We helped each other recognize how contention comes about and how to avoid it. Parents included. Oft times I find that I am quicker to criticize than to offer praise. And I am a firm believer in the phrase, "If step-mamma ain't happy, then nobody's happy." I see their moods shift with mine most times. Anyway, our new family goal is early morning family prayer. It is our hope that this act of love will strenthen our relationship with Heavenly Father and help us to be more patient with each other.

We ended FHE night with not-so-low-fat monkey bread. (It's no wonder my pants are still tight.)

Low and behold, this morning was peaceful and full of love in the air!

Yesterday was the 8th year of my father's passing. He was a wonderful man full of so much love and service! I think I will end this blog with a little bit about him for anyone interested.

Michael Andrew Van Horn was born April 1, 1948, at San Angelo, Texas, the son of Earl Raymond and Martha Van Horn. He began working construction in Houston at the age of 16. He moved to the Lake Jackson area in 1971. In March of that year he met his future wife, Chris, while at the hospital in Freeport for care of an injured hand. Chris was working at the hospital at the time. They were married June of 1971 and made LJ their home. He worked for Dow for 20 years.

Mike was active in the community. He served for 14 1/2 years in the LJ Volunteer Fire Dept. and was one of the first EMT-paramedics in LJ. He was an advanced firefighter and a Level II instructor. Mike was also a Red Cross volunteer, and taught math at Brazosport College. He was a certified police officer with the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and LJ Police Dept. Mike was a handyman extraordinaire. His latest hobbies included golf and flying his ultralight aircraft.

Mike was also an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in the youth and scouting organizations, stake Sunday School Presidency, instructor for the Priesthood group, coordinator for the Houston Temple, ward Music Chairman and Chorister.

Family was most important for Mike. He loved his wife and children very much and they were the key to his life. All his children were important to him. Mike always told Melissa and Jennifer that the only reason he married Chris was so he could be their Dad! He loved his grandchildren and was know as "Poppy" to them.

Mike had a cheerful and friendly attitude. He would always take the time to meet people and get the know them. He always enjoyed having fun. Life was never dull with Mike around, creative in his everday actions and so full of love for everyone. For example, when he received a bonus at work, sometimes he would stop on the way home from work and cash it into all one-dollar bills. When he got home, he would throw them all in the air and let it "rain money", which always caused a bit of excitement. Other times, he would stop and buy presents for everyone in the family but himself. He would often like to joke and be playful.

Mike was always cheerful, even when he had problems. Mike was grateful for his blessings. Even his recent struggle with cancer didn't diminish his positive attitude. He learned and grew from adversity. Mike mentioned to his family on more than one occasion how grateful he was for the cancer. Without it, he would never have joined the Church, nor been able to be sealed to his family in the temple.

Mike returned to live with his Father in Heaven on Friday, April 14, 2000 at the M.D. Anderson Hospital of Houston. Mike made this transition peacefully, without pain. "Sometimes the Lord calms the storm and sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms the child." Until we meet him again, Mike will be sorely missed. He was an exceptional man. He loved his time here on earth and the many people he came in contact with. That's why he lived such a large part of his life serving others, including strangers. Quick to forgive and forget, humble and kind, his life was one of gratitude. A couple of weeks before his surgery, he expressed to his family, "If I were to die today, I would be the happiest man alive. I am ready."