My Father

Joseph

O

My father has always been larger than life,
One of the most book learned men I've ever met.

Socially awkward, he always spoke too loud and wore clothes that rarely matched,
but I never missed a chance to hear him tell us a story about the Indians he spent years researching.

Seven languages, he's climbed some of the worlds tallest mountains, hockey player, survivor of polio, adopting father of three children, world traveler and an ex-priest.

He has lived more life that most men I know, He has written five books and even now, a harsh critic can bring him to his knees.

I rarely saw my father cry. If I did, it was because of something one of us kids did. A mistreatment of my mother or him, or worse, to each other.

I have disagreed with him for years, though still loved him with a depth I will rarely be able to explain. I have hated him at times, even when I knew I was in the wrong.

So tonight I am sitting here finally understanding the emotions that have been swirling around in my head and my heart. He is going in tomorrow to find out if he has colon cancer.

I told him a few years ago that he had to wait until I was old enough to handle his death, I told him that he had to hold on because I wasn't ready. I don't think we are all ever ready to lose a parent.

My dad is the strongest man I know, but sometimes even he needs blessings. Please keep my father in your thoughts tomorrow, we can all hope for the best, he can beat whatever comes his way!