He holds me up. His strength and support have never let me fall far, for very long. On this Father’s Day I want to share a personal memory of my father, a perfect example of why my father is the best there is.
The day had been long and full of fun, but I was dead on my feet. We spent the day touring Toronto. Mom and Dad wanted to try and cheer me up, just days before the big surgery. We had to be in Toronto to check into Ronald McDonald House. I had to report to Sick Kids for some pre-transplant tests and one last dialysis run.
My three friends were allowed to come for the night. After spending the morning at the hospital the six of us went first up the CN Tower and to The Toronto Islands for the afternoon. We spent the day playing mini golf and riding the rides. It was a day none of us would ever forget.
By the end of it all we had the long walk, back from the ferry to Ronald McDonald House. I was hours away from receiving his kidney, in the hopes that I would get a whole new lease on life. I had been feeling unwell and weak for too long. The day, although fun and memorable, had been more than my fragile body could take. I simply couldn’t walk another step. There was no way I could make it all the way back, blocks and blocks through the Toronto streets.
He was about to undergo a major surgery, for me. He was taking a risk, for me. Of course, I was his daughter and there was never any question, and I will never forget it. However, it was something small, in comparison, that he did for me that day and of which I have never forgotten.
He picked me up when I could not continue. He put me on his back and carried me the rest of the way. As I wrapped my small arms around his shoulders and relaxed against his broad strong back, I was no longer exhausted beyond believe and I was no longer scared of the days to come. My father was my hero and my protector in every way in that moment. I have never felt safer or more secure and protected than I felt on that walk back to The Ronald McDonald House, early in June.
My father is the kind of father to take away my pain and make me comfortable. He would take all the risk and hold me up, anything so I could feel no fear. There’s nothing he would not do for me and he has proven that over and over again, until there is no doubt to be had.
Dad: I know I am safe when I have you in my corner. Thanks for always being there for me. I can only do you this small gesture and let others know about the strength you possess. If only all fathers were like you and no child was left to suffer – this would be a much better world.
Her Headache 