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