Proud of My Dad

Today I attended a reception held for my dad - he is retiring from the St. Joseph fire department.  He’s been with them 37 years and is retiring his Fire Chief hat.   Why am I so proud of him?

My dad entered my life when I was 3 years old, taking on two young girls and becoming an instant full-time father.  I remember the late nights he spent at the kitchen table in a small trailer studying to better himself and achieve the goals he had set forth in life.

I can tell you it wasn’t always easy - two young girls running around and not a lot of time for concentration. This must have been hard for a man who was use to the bachelor life.

He has always been an inspiration for me, pushing me to do what it was that I loved to do.  Teaching me that not everyone would agree with my choices in life, but I had to make the ones that were right for me.

As we walked into the reception I had a great admiration for the man that not only serves as my dad even though we are not blood related, but served the community by directing a fire department.  I saw photos of the people he had saved; everyday putting his life on the line to serve the lives of others. I call that selfless.

Congratulations Dad - you did it and now you can enter the next phase of your life.  Make it memorable, live your dream and treat everyday like it’s your last.