“Hero: Describe someone who is a hero to you, and explain why.”
I few days ago, that was the email with my daily writing prompt.
The first answer that came to mind was “my parents.” I know that’s two people and not one “hero,” but my MomAndDad are like one person to me. However, in the spirit of celebrating my Dad’s birthday on February 13th, let me explain a bit about why he is my hero.
My hero, like heroes do, represents the best of ourselves, and reveals those noble qualities of loyalty, determination, courage, patience, perseverance, focus, and fearlessness.
He is admired and respected and he made our family brave and strong. He saw what was possible, and taught us that with God “all things are possible.”
When the accident happened that broke my neck, that left me a quadriplegic, that changed my life and my family’s lives forever – it was often my father’s faith that strengthened me. Here’s an example of his heroic comfort and care:
To help with my finger mobility, Carol [the physical therapist] told Mom and Dad to massage each finger as often as possible, which they did. While we watched TV, Dad would dab hand lotion on the backs of my hands and rub it in gradually, between my fingers and on my palms. Often he would massage my feet next, with special lotion to soften the calluses on my toes and heels. Massaging became Dad’s own ministry, and I could hear him quietly praying while he rubbed. [excerpt from Then Came A Miracle]
That’s what a hero does – encourages, is selfless and generous in spirit, who gives and helps others, who cares so deeply.
My Dad, my hero, carried me in his arms
Carried my on his shoulders
Carried me on his back
Always, always he carried me in his heart.
He comforted me strengthened me taught me teased me humored anointed me… and loved me and loves me still. Every single moment.
If I am loving and confident and funny and strong and faithful. If I am positive and plucky and courageous and hopeful. If I speak Jesus and scripture and family and football. If I am all these things, then thank my father, my hero.
He is my patriarch leader advisor prayer-warrior coach teacher medic playmate trainer motivator preacher guide captain champion intercessor…. Hero.
But mostly, my Daddy.
He’s frailer now, as most octogenarians are, and his mind struggles with the beastly symptoms of dementia, but his heart, the true essence of my Dad, is as strong as ever. He is loving, he is kind, he is tenderhearted.
His age, his vulnerability, doesn’t define him, his strength and courage does…
I have a
HERO
I call him
DAD
For his daughters, Dad is most often the hero…
For his sons, Dad is most often the coach…
Here’s my brother Steve’s tribute to Dad as his Coach Superman.
So, today, February 13, 2016, all your children — Steve, Jama, Doug, Julee — wish you bountiful birthday blessings, and pronounce you our HERO and COACH SUPERMAN.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
