(back)

Dad

My dad and I have a very close relationship.  Every Sunday for the past four years we have gone out to a shooting center and shot four rounds of skeet. He supports me in my athletics and academics and is always there when I need him.  He is such a hard worker and has taught me so many lessons that will come in handy when I grow up and have a family of my own.  My dad is a remarkable man who knows how to barbeque a mean steak and make the best waffles.  My dad was like a god to me, he seemed invincible to anything.  

Last January my dad was diagnoses with stage one Bladder Cancer.  It was caused by years and years of smoking.  He quit almost ten years ago but cancer is a tricky disease.  When my dad told us that he had it, I didn't know what to think.  All of the stories of loved ones losing the battle to cancer came rushing to my head and I thought to myself that he would be one of them.  The next few months were very tough; he seemed to lose his spark and passion for life.  It was unnerving to see my dad, a man who never faltered, become so beaten down by the weight of realizing his own mortality.  

He went through several months of testing and now a year and a half after getting the dreaded news, his cancer is practically gone.  My dad was so strong throughout the whole ordeal.  I only saw him breakdown once and start to cry.  For me that was the lowest point of his battle.  It was so unnerving to see him cry.  My dad never cried.  But through it all, he was able to stay upbeat and began to live everyday more how he wanted.  He still worked like a dog and got in trouble a few times with my mom for working too hard.  

Seeing someone fight cancer makes one realize how precious life is and how quickly it can be altered.  My dad is a remarkable man.  Lucky for me I will get to go shooting with him for many more Sundays.  He will get to see me graduate this year.  In a few years I will get to be walked down the isle with him giving me away, and a few more years after that he will get to be a grandpa and give all my kids the love and support that he gave me.  

Article provided by