I have a lot of favorite memories of my father. However, my favorite memory of all just happened recently. For a while we were unsure if daddy would be able to come to my wedding, although he kept telling me that nobody or nothing was going to stop him. ortunately, he was able to come. He was sick and having a hard time holding his head up, but when we were announced married and started back down the aisle,  he grabbed my hand and told me he loved me so much. I am so thankful to God that he gave me that moment. 

There are so many memories to choose from. When I was little, and when lived in Alabama, my daddy worked for the county doing construction work. I can remember waiting at the end of the driveway for him to come home. He would stop and I'd jump in with him and grab his lunch box where I would always find some kind of treat, most of the time a moon pie. 

I remember him making the ham for Christmas dinner every year. I also remember the year he gave me my first diamond. Each of us girls got a little heart with small little diamond chips all around it. He was so proud to give it to us. I still have mine in my jewelry box.

I remember how I thought he was so overprotective when guys came around in my teenage years. He made one boy leave, change clothes, and take out his ear ring before he would give him permission to take me out on a date. Now, I know that was just one more way of taking care of me and showing me how special I was to him.

After mom passed, daddy would come to my house to check on me and bring me salads. We would talk and every time he left, he would say "I love you baby." I would give anything to have one of those talks again.  

One of my favorite memories as an adult is dancing with my daddy. The last time we danced, he told me I may have to hold him up to finish, and I told him I would hold on tight. We moved so slowly to the country music and the I felt so much love and felt so blessed to get the chance to have such moments with him.

Daddy always made me feel like I was his favorite. I'm sure he did the other kids too. When I would visit him in the nursing home, he would always tell everyone that came by "This is my baby. She's a teacher." I knew without a doubt, that he was proud of me.

My father, Nathern Guthrie, took his final rest and left this world on September 7th,  2010.  This world was blessed with his presence for 71 years, and I feel truly blessed to have had him for my father.  My life is truly lacking with him gone.

Daddy was born on January 3rd, 1939 to the late Vester and Tom Guthrie. He had 3 brothers, Franklin (who preceded him in death), Tony and James. He also had 7 sisters, Sue, Ruby,  Kathern, Elizabeth, Shirley, Ruth, and Patricia. When they all got together for the holidays it was a loud and joyous occasion. Daddy and his siblings would tell stories, squabble, sing, laugh and love.

On July 15th, 1966 he married our mother Mary Alice Neal. They shared 41 years together before mom left us on June 17th, 2007. He missed her so very much every day they were apart. I know he is much happier now that he is with her again. I can see them laughing, hugging, and dancing together once again.

Daddy left behind lots of people who loved him. His children Alice, Lisa, Manda, Nathan and John. His daughters in law, Maya and Lisa. His grandchildren James, JC, Zachary, Nikki, Blake, Dakota, Trey and Rosie.  His great grandsons Aiden and Kamron, and one more on the way. He also left behind many friends, such as Becky and Louise, and too many more to list.

Daddy served with the U.S. Army from 1962 -1967.  He also worked hard in farming and construction work until his health forced his retirement. 

His life was far from easy. We were very poor, but daddy struggled to give us the best life he could. Daddy could be hard and stern when he felt we were doing wrong, but he could also be soft and loving when we needed him. 

Although daddy's mind and body began to fail him in his final years of life, and sometimes he was lost to us, I will always remember the man that spoiled me, made me a daddy's girl, and called me his baby. My life is not the same without him, but I am so happy that he has joined our mother, who spoiled him as much as he spoiled me.

Here is a link to my mother's page:
http://www.memorial2u.com/Biography/id/296/Mary_Guthrie