Happy Fathers Day

I wanted to take a second to dedicate this post to my hero and best friend in life... Happy Father's Day dad!! He is by far the most kind, generous, intelligent, quirky, fun loving man that I have ever been proud to say I know. I've noticed the older I get, the more appreciation I have for my dad and everything that he has done for my family and I.

5 years ago we received the worst news possible from doctors. Having my dad sit my brother and I down to tell us he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer was heart breaking. I didn't understand how this could happen to our family, and to my dad of all people?! I couldn't lose him. I just could not and would not let it happen. He was immediately admitted to the hospital in order to have the cancer, which was the size of a tennis ball, removed. After the excruciating surgery, we received more bad news... the doctors could not remove all the cancer. We were told the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and that he would have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation to kill the rest of the cells. We decided that hormone blockade would be the best route for him, and although it was, the effects were still awful. He lost all his energy, his coloring, most of his muscle mass, a ton of weight, and was down right depressed. I wanted my dad back.

{This was one of the pictures that he would look at every day. The picture resembles a strong, healthy man, who could do anything and everything for his family. His face, and hands say it all. He was going to continue to hang on and fight for his life. I absolutely love this picture.}

A year later he went off the blockade and started to regain his health. It has taken him a couple years to get to where he is today, and boy oh boy, is he back and better than ever! The cancer is under control for the most part, and he is back to being healthy. Today, he's in the best shape of his life... beyond a health and gym nut!! Listening to him speak about this whole process is mind blowing. He feels blessed for having experienced what he's had to go through and feels he has a deeper connection with the Lord, has gained more self-awareness, and an appreciation for life that is unexplainable.

He is hands down my hero and rock in life. Nothing is out of reach, and you can always fight for what you believe in. I love you so so so so so much Dad!!! Happy Fathers day to the best dad in the world. I am so proud to say you are MY dad. I love you!