Tell Me About it Thursday

Sandy over at One Day at a Time hosts Tell Me About it Thursday. Today's topic is about a moment or event that changed your life forever. Jump on over and check out her blog. It is wonderful. Please, participate too..I love reading the stories.

For me, you might think this was my wedding, or the birth of Lena Kate. While those are both amazing events that DID change my life forever, today's tale is about something that took the veil off my fairy tale life and made me appreciate it that much more. I believe it was September in the year 2006. Lane and I had been married only a few months and were getting along wonderfully in our new home. We were in "de-wedding" mode. One evening I got a call from Mom that from that moment on my life was changed. The conversation went something like this, "I have some bad news and some good news." That is never good. She went on to say, "The bad news is your father has cancer. The good news is going to be okay." It was a short conversation. I got the details and was in a bit of a fog...colon cancer, tumor, chemo and radiation, surgery Dec 26th. Mom and I were both struggling to keep the tears away so we didn't keep on the line long. I wondered into the living room and told Lane, "Dad has cancer." I NEVER wanted to say those words...and NEVER want to say them again. From that point on I knew life was fragile. He had his first grandchild on the way and so much life ahead of him. I couldn't imagine life without Dad in it. He has a huge heart and is a wonderful man. I love him with ALL my heart and am so thankful that his treatment was a success. He is doing well today. I try to enjoy every moment with him because you never know what tomorrow's phone call might bring. It was a very hard year for our family, but with God's hand cradling us we made it through with a greater appreciation for Dad and our family. It makes me sad when I think back to being embarrassed when he showed up at my basketball game in high school with his pant leg tucked in his boot-shame on me! Did I mention he was at EVERY game?-volleyball, basketball, tennis match. I strongly believe that a daughter can be very positively influenced by her father.

Thank you Father for my father and getting us through that year. I pray that Dad stays healthy and is with us for many more years to come. I would be a very broken little girl if we were to lose him.

Here is that handsome man himself. Love ya Dad!