For as long as I can remember, I’ve been told that I am the spitting image of my Dad. So much so, that there were times when I would get stopped by complete strangers and they would ask if I was “Doctor West’s daughter”. Throughout my pre-teen and teen years, I remember ignoring these comments, acting as if they weren’t true, and just being embarrassed by them. Why, I’m not entirely sure. Thankfully, my feelings towards our similarities in both looks and mannerisms has changed, perhaps as I got older I gained maturity, but I realized that looking like my Dad wasn’t the worst thing in the world, in fact, it’s actually the best thing.
You see, I’ve always looked up to my Dad. He has supported both me and my brother in all aspects of our lives, encouraging us to pursue careers based upon what we enjoy and love rather than what makes a lot of money. He is a fantastic doctor, who truly cares about each and every one of his patients and works around the clock for them ensuring they are cared for. He loves my Mom with all of his heart and has given me such a beautiful example of what a godly couple is supposed to look like, which Randy and I are beyond thankful for.  And finally, he has taught me the value and importance of family. To not just have a Dad that I talk to because I have to, but to have a Dad that I love having conversation with, laughing with, and confiding in. So, with all of that, I’m beyond blessed to look and act just like my Dad. He is truly an incredible man, and I wouldn’t be where (or who) I am today without his love and encouragement in my life.
(p.s. Thank’s for teaching me to always have fun in life!) 

This year is my favourite for both Mothers Day and Fathers day, because I get to wish my Father-in-law a happy Fathers day as well! I feel as if I say this often, but I truly am blessed to have such incredible parents-in-laws, who feel less like “in-laws” and more like parents. So, to my father-in-law. Thank you, for always loving me as if I were your own daughter, for our Sunday morning conversations over coffee before church while everyone was getting ready, for trusting me to care for your son as his wife, and for always encouraging the both of us in all that we do and loving us every step of the way!
(Love this picture of my favourite sister-in-laws and father-in-law!)