My Dad

I recently had the awesome opportunity to spend 6 days with my Dad here in Texas. He had been wanting to come and see the boys and watch some sporting events but more importantly wanted to spend some well needed quality time with me. For those that do not know, my dad was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer a little over 2 years ago and was given 6 months to a year survival rate. He being the strong individual that he is has exceeded their expectancy and continues to fight the fight as he battles this illness. He has truly been an inspiration to me as he has faced this illness head on and has truly kept his spirits high. I can't even begin to imagine what the struggle and battle must be like for him as he faces this challenge.

Before my dad arrived I had joked with him about doing some of the things that we used to do when I was a teenager....a.k.a.....shopping and spending his money, but upon his arrival the only thing that I wanted from my dad was his time. I felt the need to just be in his presence, to talk with him, seek his guidance and advice on things of the present and of the future. We spent countless hours laughing looking back on the absolutely crazy and fascinating life that he has lived. I was so thankfull for his willingness to come and share those events of his life with me. Many people live their lives with out really living. My dad has definately lived a truly memorable life.

While driving one morning we happend to pass a doughnut shop on the corner(I have never seen so many doughnut shops in my entire life than here in Texas) and my dad mentioned how much he loved doughnuts. I never knew that he loved them, I had no idea. So we started discussing which types of doughnuts were his favorite, best doughnut shops and Krispy Kreme was mentioned. Now realize that he hasn't had a doughnut in over 2 years because he isn't suppose to eat sugar. So we didn't find the blue bonnetts nor the Texas longhorn that we had set out to see, but we did discover the local Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop. I made dad swear to not tell my mom Connie that I had taken him there. Two jelly filled, one original and one chocolate glazed doughnut later we are in tears. We were laughing hysterically. There was the selfish part of me that just wanted to be the one to indulge with my dad as he enjoyed something that was so simple yet so memorable for the two of us. It will be a memory that I will always hold dear to my heart. So I dedicate this entry to him as I reflect on the things that he has taught me.

TEN THINGS I HAVE LEARNED FROM FATHER

He is proud of me

My greatest strength, in his eyes, is my heart

To truly live a life worth living

The direct telephone number to The White House

We talk too much when disciplining our children

The importance of laughter

To see things for what they truly are and not what they seem to be

To have conviction for the things that have meaning in my life

To not be afraid of failure

When all is said and done that the most important things in life are your relationship with God and your family