Happy Fathers Day

This Father’s Day is a bit more special than any previous Father’s Day. I grew up the oldest of seven children and my Dad was my hero.

He always had a way of making everything okay – from skinned knees to fights with my siblings. He loved each of us enough to allow us to grow and make our own mistakes, while also providing a home we could always feel comforted in. Being close to family is one of the reasons I moved back to Indianapolis.

My dad is a quiet man – a hard worker, who finds joy in just living and takes one day at a time. I have learned a lot from him in that respect. I’ve always thought he was the best. This year, though, I have an even greater reason to be thankful for my father.

Last month, on Mother’s Day, my dad went to the hospital with a heaviness in his chest. They ran some test, couldn’t find anything wrong, but decided to keep him overnight. At 5:30, the next morning, he had a heart attack. We actually lost him twice in the next few hours. Thankfully, the exceptional doctors caring for him were able to revive him. Had he not been in the hospital, he would not have made it.

Today – I have reason to celebrate Father’s Day with a thankful heart for the first man I ever loved.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I love you!