Recently a nurse told me that this surgery is a "big deal and not to be undertaken lightly". Seriously...like I hadn't considered that. We've been doing paperwork, blood work, conducting interviews and talking to nurses since last October. I'm quite sure I've had enough time to think about what I'm getting into. But last night, I started thinking about why I'm getting into this.
My Dad is the kind of guy who will give you the shirt off his back. He's a good-ol' boy in many ways, but also a Renaissance man. An interesting combination of dirty nails, frayed paperbacks and philosophical arguments. No one else in this world is anything like my Dad.
When I was a kid, Mom bought Mini-Wheats Cereal once. This was a huge big deal because they're expensive and 3 teenagers in the house consumed a lot of cereal. But when time came to pour myself a big bowl for breakfast ... the box was empty. Turns out that Dad had brought home a person in need, let them shower at our house and filled them up with MY expensive cereal. Typical for my Dad.
One of my first memories of Dad is going from door to door when we were still living in Regina canvassing for Heart and Stroke foundation. I remember putting up NDP election signs with him. I remember clearing out the shed of the old man across the street. Taking extra tomatoes to the seniors complex in Armstrong. Flipping pancakes at Church. Setting up tables at a fundraiser. I've watched him try to put at least a dozen teenagers' lives back together.
In every thing he does, Dad has always taught me to put others first and to do what needs to be done for friends, for neighbours, for family, for anyone. It's a core part of his philosophy of life. He is a Giver.
And now it's time for him to Receive. "bout time, don't you think?
Absolutely! And you are an amazing daughter for giving this gift :) (and really, this is Sheelagh, not Julia, commenting!)
ReplyDeleteHeather, this is such a wonderful gift you are giving your Dad. Years ago at Christmas we were playing "Scruples" with the family kids version in about 1988. "If a family member needed a kidney, would you donate?" a thought provoking question, and much contraversary evolved as well as a challange. I know what your answer would have been as you are living it. Thank you, I am so proud of you. Lee
ReplyDeleteNadine is having troubles signing in, so I will try to convey her message....Last night at dinner when your Mom and Dad asked if she had read your blog, she hadn't seen it yet and they said she had to read it and their pride just shone through in their eyes! After reading it, Nadine says she sees what a wonderful daughter, sister, mother, friend you have grown into. YOU ROCK!!!
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