My Dad

My dad has always been one of my favourite people. For as long as I can remember he has had this magnetic personality; people have always been drawn to him. When I was growing up my dad was very busy with work and, at times, could not be there for school or sporting events. Even at his busiest he always had time for me and always made me feel loved and special. In grade one I made him a hedgehog pen/pencil holder made out of dough for Father’s Day. I can’t even explain how excited I was to give it to him. I thought it would be the perfect addition to his work space. 😉 My dad took it to work the next day, and EVERY time I would go into his office I would check that it was still on his desk. I’m talking even into my twenties lol. Sure enough, the little hedgehog remained diligently holding pens and pencils until my dad’s retirement. The fact that my dad held it in such high regard because it came from me, always made me feel special.

Family, faith, a strong work ethic, integrity and helping those in need are things that my dad values above all else, and this is evident to all who know him.  I can’t remember him ever turning anyone who needed help away. He used to say that although some might be skeptical of a charity and not give because they don’t know exactly where the money is going, if you give with the best intentions then you have done your part. I have carried that with me always.

When I was diagnosed we decided to move back to BC from Alberta, to be near my parents. Even though we had lived in different provinces for six years, we were really close and my parents were very active in Silas and Olivia’s lives. We knew that we would need help and my parents have been amazing. My parents still live in my childhood home, and call me biased, but it has always been my favourite property. My dad keeps the yard immaculate and so putting another home on the property, in his lush grass, couldn’t have been ideal. 😉  From day one, my dad has done everything possible to make my days not only easier but brighter. He is definitely a handyman, and with my two uncles, built a wheelchair ramp to the front door and a beautiful deck off the back of the house. I usually sit at the kitchen table during the day, looking out over the backyard. My dad made penguins, complete with Santa hats in the winter, and a birdhouse that I can see all day.

Right now there are baby starlings in the birdhouse and I love watching the mama feeding them. Between driving the kids to school and work, making sure I get outside and completing little projects, we keep my dad busy. I know it’s difficult for my dad to watch me struggle, and if he could, I’m sure he would switch places with me. He makes my life, even with ALS, so much easier and fun. I am incredibly blessed to have the best dad in the world. I love you Dad!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads. 🙂

 

Until next time,

Leanne xo

13 thoughts on “My Dad

  1. What a wonderful dad you have. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree ❤️
    Even with your illness, you have such a beautiful heart of gratitude.
    xo

  2. Happy Father’s Day Lloyd ❤️
    It’s all true!! I love the way your Dad makes you laugh, even at the oddest times🤣🤗
    ❤️❤️

  3. Such a beautiful tribute to your father. Like father like daughter. You two are peas in a pod. He certainly would do anything and everything for you because he adores you. He is an incredible man and father and grandfather. Happy Father’s Day Lloyd. You and Dianne have raised such an extraordinary family. So much to celebrate in that accomplishment.

  4. It’s all true Leanne.❤️ You put it so beautifully . I am so proud of my brother-your dad. He raised such a beautiful and loving family. Happy Fathers day Lloyd!!!

  5. I was diagnosed last July. I was wheelchair bound. My feet hurt horribly on the foot petals. I started ALS/MND programme about 4 months ago. I’m now able to walk down the street and back at least I couldn’t do that prior to the ALS treatment. It doesn’t make the ALS go away but it did give him better quality of life. we got the treatment from vinehealthcentre. com
    Thanks

  6. Last year, my 68-year-old partner was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease also known as ALS. Speaking and swallowing were two of his challenges. His collapse was swift and catastrophic, and neither the riluzole nor the medical staff did much to aid him. He would not have survived if our primary care physician hadn’t given him attentive care and attention, as the hospital center didn’t provide any psychological support. His fall was abrupt and catastrophic. His hands and legs gave way to weakness in his arms. This year our family physician suggested using vinehealthcentre. com ALS/MND treatment, which my husband has been receiving for a few months now. I’m delighted to say that the treatment greatly reduced and reversed his symptoms of ALS, he no longer requires a feeding tube, sleeps soundly, works out frequently, and is now very active. In the hopes that it could be useful, I thought I would relate my husband’s tale; in the end, you have to do what suits you the best.

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