Allen Blake Mathews

Its Fathers Day. 

I can hands down say  

my father is the greatest man I know. 

Heres some reasons why:

1. He married my mom, and after three other children, he saved some of the good

chromosomes for me. Also, refer to everything else about this picture. He had

the 70's fashion trend NAILED! Always been a dapper fellow. And no thats not me
in the picture. Its my oldest sister Mandy.

2. No this wasn't in a Ralph Lauren Home Christmas Catalog. 

Every family has an all plaid photo. If not plaid, all denim. 

Father used to sport the stache for many a year, but is clean

shaven now. Came with the call to be the Bishop. 

Obedience to simple things. Always admired it.

3. My dad comes from some great men. On the left, his uncle. On the right,

his dad/my grandpa. Good ol' boys who know how to work and love their women.

I see a lot of my grandpa in my dad. Love for his wife, work ethic, spiritual dedication

but mostly this great of humor.

4. My dad is one of my biggest fans/greatest supporters. All growing up I was

constantly encouraged to pursue the things I loved. He's been my soccer coach to fan 

from the age of 3, through club ball, high school and even came and watched an

intramural game of mine in college. He's driven me to practices and games all over the state of Utah

and road tripped to tournaments all over the US. He came to every voice recital, choir concert 

and high school musical performance I was ever in. He funded my high school

dances and dates in return for student involvement and good grades; allowing me  

to savor every opportunity and create the best memories. It all paid

off dad with that lovely four year full ride, thanks to my student involvement. Due to 

constant encouragement and support I have been able to really develop talents I love.
Not only has he been supportive emotionally and spiritually, but financially. I have had the
most amazing opportunities for trips and travel, most of which would not have been
possible without him. I will pay him back one day. Here are just a few of those...

The Madrigal trip to New York

Senior trip to Bear Lake and Chads cabin

Senior trip 2 to California

Freshman year spring break part 1 to St George

Freshman year spring break part 2 to Zion and Vegas

Mission part 1 in the Philippines

Mission part 2 in California

Weekend back to California for Hunter and Mallory's baptism

Spring break '09 to Vegas

Study abroad in Italy, France and England

NACA convention in Portland

funding to build Tiny

Spring break '10 to San Diego

(Not pictured, but should be remembered is the 9th grade trip to Engand, Ireland, Scotland
and Wales. Also the AP Biology trip to California my Junior year.)

I cant even begin to thank him for his aid in allowing all these AMAZING opportunities to
take place. They have made me some of my closest friends and fondest memories.

5. The jeep. My graduation present that we turned into an unstoppable offroading

machine. Our yearly Moab trips will forever be some of my fondest memories.

Not just Moab, but I cherish his commitment to family vacations that create lasting

memories. Boating at Hebgen and Jackson. Him coming on scout camps with me. 

Most all of my favorite trips have always included my dad. Coincidence? Not a chance.

6. My spiritual mentor. This has always been one of my favorite pictures with my parents

after I received my endowments in the Bountiful Temple. Most all my childhood my dad was in the

bishopric as a counselor, and from age 12-18 was my Bishop. Needless to say, my teen years were filled with much spiritual guidance from my dad. Regardless of what I am going through be it

frustration with friends, dating, school...he always has an answer that is gospel based. Everything

he looks at usually ends up through spiritual eyes. 

7. Support while abroad. Once upon a time I became deathly ill in a third world country.

While alone in the hospital across the world for over a week, my dad was given

permission to call me once a day. Heavenly Father clearly knew in advance how

difficult that experience as going to be for me, because I would not have

made it without the daily phone calls from him. No one, including him will ever fully

understand the impact and difference it made to talk to him. I wouldn't have made it...

I couldn't have done it.

8. This tribute while I was on my mission. My dad's not a big one for Halloween, but

I really appreciated his efforts this year, cause I LOVE Halloween. 

9. Commodore Daddy. My dad has been at the helm of my Grandparents 1968

Fiberform boat for many a years now. The Maharajah as she's known. The boat has reached

a point in antiquity that qualifies her a a classic. And he is proud of her. 

10. The Commodore pulls me better then anyone else, also thanks to the Fiberforms

nonexistent wake. Usually its only him in the boat, and me skiing. Mostly because thats

how it has to be so the boat can get up to a fast enough speed. I dont mind though. I love it.

And he can still cut the glass just as good...

11. He supports and plots schemer-like ideas; such as this one. Mother and Dustin were

a'floatin when he felt it appropriate to take me right by them, as so that I may cut and

drape them in a sheet of lake water. A trickster sometimes he may be, and I appreciate

those youthful instincts.

12. He supports my special ways. Bless him.

13. He loves my mom. So much. I have never once in my life doubted that.

My dad is the best example of showing respect for women, as well as 

the importance of fulfilling a mans duties in the home and family. My dad works

harder then anyone I know to provide for his family. 

14. I have yet to meet someone personally who has a bad thing to say about this man.

He is the most trusting, sincere person I know. He has qualities and attributes, especially in the

business world that are rare to find anymore. As said above, he works harder then anyone I know.

He makes people feel loved, important, accepted and comfortable wherever he goes. His sense of 

humor is priceless, and he can make me laugh harder then anyone else. He is one of my best

friends, and I thank Heavenly Father daily that I was blessed with such a great man as my Father.

Fetch, typing this is causing emotion. So to end; a lighter note...

15. Look at him...not even phased. Thats unconditional love. 

Happy Fathers Day Dad.

 I love you.

Brades