Happy Father's Day!

Alaina

My father didn't take the news of my diagnosis very well. Of course that may seem like a silly statement. How "well" do you hear that your child, your daughter, has a life-threatening illness that is going to require a year or more of very aggressive treatment?

The differences in how my father and I view healthcare, doctors, and treatment choices became crystal and painfully clear when it came time for ME to choose how I was going to address breast cancer.

He wanted me to get a second opinion, consider alternative and/or complementary treatment choices, and start adding varying nutritional supplements to my diet.

After research, talking to the team of doctors I had assembled (some of the best of the country), and careful consideration of my own personal beliefs, I had to reject the majority of my father's suggestions. This was painful because I know he means well and just wants to help. And he believes that my choices may be may out of childish stubbornness vs. a reasoned and rationale adult decision about my own well-being and health.

And most importantly, he is not in control. And that may be the hardest thing of all. Not just for him, but for ANY parent, whether your children are young or well into their adulthood.

This ended up with me telling my father that if he was going to 2nd-guess me or my doctors, he could not be involved. Again, a painful but necessary choice I had to make.

I'm happy to say that in the relatively short amount of time that has passed (I still can't believe I'm 2/3rds done with chemo already!), my Dad is slowly coming around. I've gone to see him, have dinner, and I think that has helped. While there are some days I feel like crap on a biscuit, from all (hopefully sincere) reports, I don't "look" like it! LOL!!! And we talk about what's going on and what's coming up. And he's holding his tongue, and I love him for that!

He seems sincerely happy that my doctors are happy with my progress so far, and we both believe in the unbridled power of prayer! It has made ALL the difference, of that I am sure!

So on this Gratitude Sunday, I'm grateful for BOTH of my parents, and on today especially, my Daddy.

Above is one of my favorite pics of me and my Dad, as it depicts the pure love and trust that exists between little girls and their fathers, even as their relationships grow and become sometimes contentious.

It's just nice to know that there WAS a time when all the world's problems could be viewed/solved from atop the shoulders of a strong tall man, while gripping his forehead. Nothing could get me up there!

So today, tell me why you're grateful for and love your parents. I'm blessed to still have both of mine with me. But share your thoughts and memories and blessings with me today!

Alaina

Lcharmie

Hi Alaina,

Your story about your Dad is beautiful!

I did not have a Dad in my life after the age of 8 years old.  He was alive, living in another state, and maybe a letter, or phone call now and then.  When I got grown the visits were when I went to see him. 

My Mom was my "Mom and Dad" and I was Blessed to have her 57 years of my life.  I lost my Dad 7 months after Mom passed, our last conversation, he told me " I love you more than any one." I have some memories, but I grew up not knowing what it was to have a Dad.

Now, I have been Blessed to have a Husband that has been a great Dad for our children, 2 daughters 42, and 40 and a son 32 and we have 4 grandchildren, 1 grandson 21 and 3 granddaughters 20, 17, and 7.  he has been so great with them all.  It is one of those times when we don't know how we will receive  Blessings.  He is the Dad to my kids,and Grandpa, that I did not have.

I Love your story--Blessings to you and your Dad and Mom!!!