THE MADSEN FAMILY: HE IS SO GOOD.

I always knew Justin would be an incredible Father.

But, he has far exceeded anything I ever thought he would become.

I never knew there could be a Father so tender, so loving, and adoring of his children.

He has given more of his undivided time, teaching, and special attention than is even required.

He is: Playful. Mindful. Helpful. Enthusiastic. Hands On. Sweet. Attentive. Loyal. And Devoted.

Justin has never failed to be there for his family. He patiently, and kindly leads us in righteousness.

He makes me feel honored and lucky to be his wife. I know our children's lives will be blessed, enhanced, and even more wonderful because He is their Father.

He is our greatest gift.

Last Sunday we arrived home from church at the same time as Doug and Liz: our neighbors across the street. The kids love to say "Hi Doug!" and so they did, and we started up a conversation. We talked for a minute about weather, about church, and about family back home...

Liz was admiring Justin looking so nice in his suit, and all of the sudden she says to him repeatedly, "Justin, you are so handsome... You are. You are. You are so handsome."

I have to agree. And, I just stood there smiling.

I know Doug and Liz think the world of him, but I could tell, today, Liz saw even more.

In addition to how handsome he is on the outside, she was learning who Justin is on the inside, and was seeing how that person makes his entire countenance shine.

Today, she went from seeing Justin as the nice young student who lives across the street, to seeing him as the Man that I married: A fiercely loyal spouse, and devoted, loving father.

She turned to me and gave me a smile that could only say,

'Wow. He is the whole package.'

My smile back told her 'I know, I am lucky. And... I Adore him.'

Whenever my mom gets the chance she will wrap her arms around Justin and tell him how much she loves and appreciates him. She'll tell him he is such a 'good, good man.' Over and over. Maybe she feels as if she can't say it enough. She always tells me: because I married Justin she doesn't have to worry about me. She tells me I'll never have to worry about him, and there is so much comfort in that knowledge and feeling.

A couple years ago there was a song that played on the radio. Every time I heard the words my heart would instantly think of my mom, and exactly what I would tell her about my sweetheart. I always had to swallow the lump in my throat or hold back the tears-- or change the station!

In the song, a young woman sings these words to her mother just before she gets married:

Mama, you taught me to do the right things
So now you have to let your baby fly
You've given me everything that I will need
To make it through this crazy thing called life

And I know you watched me grow up
And only want what's best for me
And I think I found the answer to your prayers

And he is good, so good
He treats your little girl like a real man should
He is good, so good

He makes promises he keeps
No he's never gonna leave
So don't you worry about me
Don't you worry about me

Mama there's no way you'll ever lose me
Giving me away is not goodbye
As you watch me walk down to my future
I hope tears of joy are in your eyes

'Cause he is good, so good
And he treats your little girl like a real man should
He is good, so good

He makes promises he keeps
No he's never gonna leave
So don't you worry about me
Don't you worry about me

And when I watch my baby grow up
I'll only want what's best for her
And I hope she'll find the answer to my prayers
And that she'll say

He is good, so good
And he treats your little girl like a real man should
He is good, so good

He makes promises he keeps
No he's never gonna leave
So don't you worry about me
Don't you worry about me

Mama don't you worry about me
Don't you worry about me

Justin is so good, and I know my parents don't need to worry about me. When Miley grows up and starts looking for her companion, I'll advise her all along the way, so make sure she finds someone just like her Dad.

About a year ago Justin and I were in Salt Lake visiting. We were preparing to leave when my dad asked me if I would ride with him so we could have a minute to talk.

I'll never forget what he told me the minute I got into his car.

He looked at me with total seriousness, and sincerity and said...

'Justin is exactly the husband and Father I always wish I had been.'

My dad is amazing. But, he was telling me in humility, the areas in his life he would have corrected had he known better. And it was a real and true tribute to Justin as he did so.

I had nothing but tears as I expressed my love to my father.

I told him how much Heavenly Father blessed me when he sent Justin into my life.