My Dad

James Skiffington Holderness was born on March 3, 1925.

My mom and dad were married for 63 years.

My dad passed away on September 6, 2011.

He gave so much of his heart throughout his life that it finally wore out.

One of the Lord's most tender mercies was that Bruce and I were called to serve in the Utah, Salt Lake City Mission. It meant that I was close enough to be able to make some short visits to Boise over the last year to see my parents and share some very precious time with them.

Dear dad,
I hope your heart is all well tomorrow when you wake up.
If it isn't, here are a few things that I have been thinking about that should make it feel a little better. I know when I think about them, they make my heart feel better.
I've been thinking about some of the things I would have missed out on if I hadn't had you for my dad.
I never would have gone through the McDonald's drive through and had my dad order a hot dog, and insist to the attendant that he was sure McDonald's sold hot dogs.
I would never had known that when you run into a bank in a strange town, you can chat with the teller and become instant friends.
I would never have known how to play fox and the geese in the snow in the winter and how to catch fireflies in the summer. I might never have climbed Mt. Baldy.
I would not have been such an excellent liar, having learned from the best!
I probably wouldn't have the sense of humor that I do.
I would have missed out on watching my father teach my brothers to always open the doors for girls,
I might not have known so much about generosity and service.
I wouldn't have known how great it is to cook breakfast in the hibachis on the beach, and swim first thing in the morning.
I wouldn't have known the face of patience.
I might not have known how much one person can love the Savior and try to follow his example every day.
I might not have known what it was like to have your dad pray for you, that you can get over a cold, when he was very sick himself. My kids might not know how to play slipper soccer in the basement.
I would never have seen the absolute joy and wonder that crosses a man's face when he lets a 2 pound baby girl hold on to his finger.
I might not have heard my father thank our Heavenly Father for the atonement of Jesus Christ, in every single prayer he ever said.
I might not have learned the Lord's prayer.
I might not appreciate all the wonderful kinds of plants there are in this world.
I wouldn't know to appreciate the feeling of the warm sun on your back.
I might not have learned to always do my very best, no matter what I am doing.
My grandchildren might never have gotten to go on walks to the bridge and sail grass boats on the water under that bridge, or play visiting teacher in the park.
I might not have grown up thinking that I was perfectly capable of accomplishing anything I wanted to, if I just set my mind to it and worked hard.
What a lot of wonderful things I would have missed out on, if you hadn't been my dad. I sure am glad that you are. I love you forever, and hope your heart feels better today.
Love, Nancy (Most Obedient Child) Holderness Winn