My Hero

Many bloggers are sitting in front of their monitors writing tributes to their Fathers today.  They may call their father a hero for a myriad of reasons.  Perhaps they reference their formative years and all of the things their father taught them—how to ride a bike, do a cannonball, tie a knot.  They may reflect on life decisions when their father offered advice that set them on the right path—choosing a college, a mate, the right car or job.  Wedding days and births of babies may be mentioned, as these lend themselves to great blog material as one walks down memory lane on Father’s Day.  

I could drone on and on about all of those things and more, as my daddy is a fixture in my life.  I could tell you about the hot August day when I learned to lay floors for the second story of the house that my father built for our family.  I could tell you about hiking along five miles of the Appalachian Trail together—five miles that would later change his life, as he hiked them again on his thru-hike from Maine to Georgia last summer.  I could tell you about my wedding day when he couldn’t take his sunglasses off until it was time to walk me down the aisle because of his red, weepy eyes.  And I could tell you about his “surprise” trip home from his epic Trail Journey, that he planned for months, so that he could be present for the birth of my son last year. 

Oh yes, I could certainly go on and on and on about my daddy.  He is an incredible man and I am lucky to call him mine and have him in my life.  But a few other people are lucky to have him around, as well. 

You see, a couple of weeks ago, my daddy saved a life.  Since I can’t relay the entire story as he can, you can read more about that here.  I have read this story a few times now, just to let it sink in.  Saved a life.  Yes.  Him.  He did.  But guess what.  It wasn’t the first time. 

You see, when I was a kid, my dad was on the local news for saving a young child from an apartment fire.  As a firefighter, he was often called upon to act quickly and in emergency situations.  He was a hero to many in his years of service, and I am sure there are a great many people who are thankful for his role in their lives, no matter how great or small.

We are certainly blessed, my brother and I, to have such a fine role model.  He is someone who gives to so many—he has been a teacher, a firefighter, a scoutmaster, a "grandandy".  He has overcome obstacles—a serious bicycle accident left him with 3 compressed vertebrae, but a helmet saved his life. He still rides. . .and runs. . .  and hikes. . . and  pushes a jog stroller like a pro!  The unconditional love that he shows for his family, especially his grandchildren, is an example that I strive to follow each day. 

My daddy IS a local hero to many, but he is my personal hero and I am so blessed to have him as part of my life.