My Hero – My Dad

I am doing a little something different this year for Memorial Day.  I want to tell you about my hero, my dad.

My dad was born in 1948 and lived most of his young life in Utah.  He grew up with a brother and 2 sisters.  He was the youngest.  As he grew he did sports and was really good at football.  He went to college and played football there.  He ended up joining the National Guard during school and was trained to be in the special forces.

My dad was one of those guys that jumped out of planes, did secret missions to who knows where and came home to never talk about it.  I didn’t know my dad then.

My dad then had kids an quickly realized he couldn’t put his life in jeopardy like that.  So my dad put his desire to the side and became a medical person.  went to school and graduated in kinesiology and went on to work in therapy at a hospital.

My dad then because the guy who sat at a desk and signed papers.  He because the guy who helped others, but in a different way.

My dad continued doing this type of work through his career.  He worked at the pentagon and his office was one of the offices that the pane went through on 9-11.  Luckily he didn’t work there anymore.

My dad was the hardest worker and the best example of dedication to what you love.  My dad loved his country.  He loved those in it and what the countries potential is.

My dad retired and we came to California where he taught JROTC.  My dad loved what he did.  You could see it everyday.

In 2004 my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  He continued to work and serve those around him until his body wouldn’t let him do it anymore.  It was one of the hardest things the day my dad was told he couldn’t work anymore.  He loved what he did and he loved having a purpose.

He passed away 1 year after he was diagnosed, which is along time for someone with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  He lived his life to the fullest and will always be an example of sacrifice, love and devotion to not only his family, but his country and those that live in it.

I truly appreciate him and all he has done for us.  He was a perfect example of a hero.

Who is your hero?

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