I wrote these two poems for Father's Day - one for dad and one for Nelson.

My Father’s Hats

By: Rebecca Yates

6/20/10

My father wears many “hats”

Each with a specific role to play

Bearing unique qualities

All blessing his children with love

“Soldier Hat”

Strong and brave to serve others

Emulating a love of country

Understanding the sacrifice of others for freedom

“Teacher Hat”

Instructing with silent and outspoken words

Exemplifying principles of truth and love

Directing with a simple 3 things

“Ball Cap”

Cheerleading in all seasons, events and games

Whispering and shouting words of encouragement

Constant to his eternal view of true potential

“Construction Hat”

Building playful toys and memories with care

Forming a forever family

Through binding temple covenants

“Vacation Hat”

Creating dreams and fantasies into realities

Making lifelong family memories

Inventing a time capsule of love and laughter

“Friendship Hat”

Never to old or tired to play make-believe

Ever ready to listen and counsel

A confidant to trust and rely on

“Doctor Hat”

Healing internal and external wounds

Strengthening and mending broken hearts

With comfort, care, and love

“Priesthood Hat”

Leading patriarch of our family

Guiding all together to our eternal home

Offering blessings here, now, always

Dad, thanks for all the “hats” you wear

Each emulate your divine, eternal love for me

I love you!

Happy Father’s Day

My Husband’s Hands

By: Rebecca Yates

6/20/10

My life is blessed with loving hands

Expressions of affection each day

Giving warmth and protection

Holding hands

Lead me through physical and spiritual storms

Guiding me heaven bound with love

Walking beside me each step of the way

Hugging hands

Wrap around me

Embracing me with love and encouragement

Blessing me with a place to always call “home”

Serving hands

Attend to daily tasks, seen and unseen

Evidence of unconditional love

A messenger of God’s mercies, miracles, angels

Priesthood hands

Rest tenderly upon my head

Blessing me with God’s power

Of healing, guidance, comfort, and love

Eternal hands

Clasped in the patriarchal grip

Remind me of our temple covenants and blessings

Binding our forever family

I am so grateful for these loving hands

To bless my life throughout eternity

To hold along the path of life

Leading me heaven bound with love

My Sweet Grandmother

I have been working on a poem for my Grandma's birthday, and finally finished - I think! I thought I would share.

My Sweet Grandmother

By: Rebecca Yates

6/6/2010

Grandma, you are a master storyteller

Narrating “Remember whens”

Of events important, silly, & mundane

Capturing a family heritage & legacy

Smiles tickle my face of our memories together

Little moments which shape my character

Blessing me with God’s eternal love

Grandma these are some of my “remember whens”

“Remember when” teaching me to dust at Grandpa Owen’s

A dreaded job of a dust collector

Made fun with tickling hands and dusters

Rewards of treats and tasty popcorn when the job was done

“Remember when” our adventures traveling together

Fairy Tales created in Disneyland, Sea World, Caribbean

Yet the best adventures came in the simple moments

Traveling back to the past with reminiscing memories

“Remember when” you sang each July 7

A birthday song that rang with love

Never forgetting the importance of the one

A silent & outspoken cheerleader to all

“Remember when” you were my nurse on sick days from school

Your love is a magical medicine

Healing broken hearts and spirits with gentle embraces

Mending all things with God’s eternal love

“Remember when” you taught me the tricks to gardening

Planting deep roots of life’s important lessons:

To cultivate and nourish my faith in God above

Understanding growth comes through winds and storms of life

“Remember when” your tradition of poems

Sending treasured messages of love, laugther and life

To be kept in minds and hearts throughout time

Filling hearts with your love

“Remember when” you show and teach of gospel principles

A quiet, yet significant example

True to heavens teachings

Blessing others with divine charity

“Remember when” you share so much of what you have

Blessings others with gifts of love, seen and unseen

An angel of God sent to many

Guiding others with a spirit to heaven above

“Remember when” sitting with me

Swinging on “our ride”

Holding my hand gently

Keeping me safe in the arms of your love

“Remember when” you hug and kiss me

Capturing a glimpse of God’s eternal love

One without limits or conditions

An endless security of peace and joy

Grandma these are just a few “remember whens”

I treasure and recall when feeling lost, lonely or afraid

Uplifting my spirit with love and laughter

Remembering my earthly angel who I love and cherish

Grandma, I love you!