Father's Blessings

School starts tomorrow! Every year before school starts, the children receive a Father's blessing. Charles always looked forward to the time when he could give each child a blessing of counsel and comfort, particularly for the beginning of the school year. It was always a special moment for him, and the children. 

Charles loved to give blessings, and use the power of the priesthood, whenever he could. It meant a lot to him. It meant a lot to me! There is nothing more beautiful than a man righteously using the priesthood, to bless the lives of others -- especially his own children! I loved watching Charles bless our children, and receive blessings from him myself. 

Since Charles is hanging-out in the Spirit World this year, we had to call in reinforcements -- in the form of Tyson, Charles' closest friend. Since Charles passed away -- leaving my children fatherless --Tyson has become my children's hero. It was so cute to see them all gathered around him today, while Rachelle and I sat on the other side of the couch. The children just gravitate to him. Perhaps because he has a similar "spirit" as their daddy does. Or maybe it is because he is just fun, and kids like fun! I am a pretty swell mom, but I stink at being a dad. Daddies are special. They have qualities that mommies do not have. 

My children have made it very clear that they still need a father-figure in their life. 

After losing their daddy, Tyson has scooped-up the kids and taken them swimming, camping, Scouting, and various other fun activities. He has been so good to them. It did not occur to me at first that the children would still need a father-figure in their life, but with time, I see that they really, really, do. I have talked with Tyson and Rachelle extensively about this need, and we will be forever grateful to the Harlin family for their kindness to us. We have known them for 7 years, and so they are family to us. 

So, today it seemed a very natural thing to have Tyson give the children their father's blessings. Rachelle came along too, since I have a 2-deep rule with men in my home. I said a prayer before we began that he would say the words that Charles would have them hear. And that they would feel close to their daddy. It was a bonus that Tyson was wearing one of their daddy's ties. 

The blessings were all beautiful. 

Each child was given specific counsel and comfort, just for them. 

But there was one line in Sammi's blessing that really stuck out to me. He said, "Your Father and your Heavenly Father stand on the shores watching over you -- remember that when times get tough." 

How beautiful is that?! 

The kids are now empowered from on high, and ready to go to school!

I love the power of the priesthood. 

What a blessing to have access to the power of God!