Meet my Dad. Proud former Marine, Vietnam medic, physician, husband, brother, uncle, friend. Most importantly to me? DAD. You know the kind: Willing to give you the first, last, only bites of his beloved treat if you ask. The one who perseveres with you to make your fifth grade volcano work with the wretched dry ice, even after seeing patients all day long.
Growing up, I knew I was special. Not because I did a lot of things right, nor because I was perfect. Not because I was able to go on rounds with him at the hospital each weekend, seeing patients at their best (births) and worst (vasectomies)! Simply because I was told that I was special. In my dad’s eyes, I could do anything that I set my mind to, could soar on the wings of eagles.
We call him Bionic Dad because he had a kidney and a heart transplant. There were times we almost lost him. One time we came particularly close. Once again, I prepared to race across the country to his side. This time, I asked him to hold on for a different reason. I begged him not to let go, stating that I needed him. That worked! Unfortunately, he endured many a painful procedure. Watching him go through that was grueling, but I learned from his spirit; each time, he would reassure me: “This too shall pass.”
Alas, after the bitter, there will undoubtedly be sweet.
After his departure from California, he moved to Colorado. I had the pleasure to shoot Karen and Bryan’s engagement session there, and so got to stay with Dad and his wife Tanya. Talk about blue-blue-blue skies, cotton ball clouds, and endless plains framed by the most beautiful rocky mountain highs. They honor the day, and today — I honor you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day!
