Happy Birthday Dad!

Tomorrow my dad, John Joseph Shepard, turns 52. I've been thinking a lot about my Dad lately. He is in the hospital today having heart surgery. Your prayers would be much appreciated. I thought maybe I could write a little bit about my dad here.

My father was born in Columbus,OH in July 1958 to Gene Allen Shepard and Phyllis Ann Paver. He had it kind of rough when he was growing up. His parents divorced when he was a teenager. Then, his father listened to the missionaries, and my dad listened too. He was the only one out of the 6 kids who decided to be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That has made all the difference. He met my mom, Terri Lynne Hubbard, at the Institute program at Ohio State University, and they got engaged. But my dad decided that he had to serve a mission before they were married. They both did, my mom in Ventura, CA, and my dad in Sacramento. They were engaged for 3 years! I am grateful for my father's determination to serve the Lord. He knew that The Church was true and wanted to share that light with others.

Dad on his mission in Sacramento, California

John Shepard and Terri Hubbard get engaged

Their wedding day, October 12, 1983My dad is a musician, he has a beautiful voice, and plays the guitar. He is also an actor. But, I think his favorite thing in life, although it has been very difficult, is being a father. My mom had 5 children and they adopted 2. Hannah Lynne, Emily Jean, Claire Elizabeth, Martha Suzanne, Jacob Allen, Trey Robert, and Ashley Tonya.

A first time Dad (with Hannah)

(Dad graduated from Ohio State University in accounting (I think), but became a computer programmer, but I think he'd rather just sing and play his guitar, or be a movie critic)
I talked to my dad last night over the phone. I am so glad I did. He told me he wanted me to know how he loves me and how proud of me he is, and that he is so glad I am excited about the gospel, and that I have a growing testimony. "That's all I want for my children: happiness, and I think you're on the right track." He also told me that he an mommy think Seth is great, and that I couldn't have found a better husband. -I agree, and I'm glad they think so.

Mom, me and Dad at my 2nd B-day party

I told him I loved him, and that I'm so glad he is my father, and that he and mom chose to have our family sealed together forever in the temple, and have kept their covenants. And I know, that because of that, no matter what happens, everything will turn out right in the end, and we will be a family forever, and get to be together again.

Me and my beautiful mother

He agreed, and added that if anything ever did happen to him, he wanted me to make sure and do one thing "Make sure you take care of Mommy, who has sacrificed everything for you 7 kids." (After all these years, my parents still call each other "Mommy and Daddy," even though we're all grown up. I think it's because that is their favorite thing to be, parents together.) I assured him that we will, and told him not to get any ideas about going anywhere though, and that we expected him to come out of this in tip top shape.

Dad and me

My dad isn't perfect, but he is wonderful because he's always tried his best, and he loves us. Do your parents know you love them? Have you told them recently? Give them a call, and tell them again, today! You never know what could happen, but it is a wonderful reassurance to know that your parents love you, and you love them, and that you've told them recently.

I love you, Dad! Happy Birthday!

Our eternal family as of 2010
(At Hannah and Michael's wedding, Chicago Temple, June, 2009)
From left to right: Claire, Jacob, Trey, Mom, Michael Dimond, Hannah, Dad, Ashley, Martha, Emily, and Seth Wagner