My dad, My hero

A tribute to my dad on Father's Day.

In my eyes, my dad is the greatest man on earth.  He's atypical, I think.  Little things.... like he organizes my mom's pantry (think Sleeping with the Enemy without the creepiness), he washes walls and cleans baseboards, he loves to garden, he is a jack of all trades, he's remarkably friendly... for an introvert, he's incredible with money, he rode a motorcycle and drove a big truck, he came from nothing and gave us everything.

And then there are the more classic traits.... He LOVES his job and the kids on his bus route.... in fact, I'm not sure he'll ever retire until they force him to.  He adores animals... more than humans, I think.  He is the hardest worker I know - he will literally work from dawn until dusk without batting an eye... and the kicker?  He loves every second of it.  He's devoted, committed, and loyal.  He's a great hugger.  Kids love him.  He has a bond with my daughter that I am in awe of.  I watch them together and my heart swells.

 He taught me to hunt, fish, and camp.  He taught me to drive, get a bank loan, and write a cheque.  He taught me how to wash my car, check my oil, and change a tire.  He always told me, "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right".

My dad taught me the value of hard-work.  I can remember him saying, "I knew you could do it".  He told me that so many times over my child-hood that I couldn't help but believe I could do anything.  He would say, "there was never any doubt".  If you wanted a believer, it was my dad!

My dad is not perfect, but he has always been my hero.

In October 2014, my dad had open heart surgery to repair two valves that were damaged by childhood illness.  This surgery permanently changed him and he battled to regain who he was before the surgery.  The vibrant, hard-working man that once dominated his own life, was gone.  My dad struggled to find the energy to get out of bed in the morning.  In so many more ways, he fought to get his life back, but physically and emotionally could not quite get there.


And then came the proposal from my Auntie Jackie to hike the Appalachian Trail.  After weighing the decision and support from the family, he jumped on board.  And everything was re-newed.  He began to shop for gear and hike on the weekends.  He gradually increased his stamina and could hike farther distances and more difficult terrain.  He got excited and had something to look forward to.

On April 29th, my dad left Canada on his journey.  He spent three days in Seattle preparing re-supply boxes and food for the trail.  He then left for Georgia to begin his 300 mile, six-week trek.  On May 3rd, my dad starting hiking the most beautiful terrain he has ever seen.  He experienced and reconnected with nature... he was like a kid in a candy store!  However, two days later he discovered that his new body was not equipped to hike the intense elevations and territory that he would be required to cover.  Heartbroken, he left the trail and came home.

My dad worried about telling people that he had to come home - that he couldn't physically handle the hike.  He worried about the money he'd spent on what he considered an unsuccessful journey.  As much as I'd love for him to understand that there is nothing to be ashamed of, I'm not sure he will ever see it that way.

As his daughter, I have never been more proud.  I watched him regain his motivation to experience something new and his passion for the outdoors.  I watched him look forward to something.  I watched his physical stamina improve.  I watched him open up to another individual in a way I'm not sure he ever has.  I watched him be vulnerable.  And most importantly, I watched him fight back from his illness.

So today I pay tribute to the man who gave me high expectations.... who made me a believer in myself, taught me to be strong, to work hard, and to battle through tough times.  To my dad, the man who showed me what a husband and father should be and to accept no less than what I deserve.

My dad has always been my biggest fan and now I am his.