TEN FEET TALL & BULLETPROOF

My Hero...
Ten feet tall and bulletproof

     My hero, my dad.  I know many people feel that way about their own fathers but my dad rocks.  He's my hero for many many reasons and I'll write about them in future blogs, but right now I want to write about why he's TEN FEET TALL & BULLETPROOF!

     Every little girl thinks their dad is awesome and their hero.  But let me tell you why my dad has been my hero from the beginning to the end of this journey.  When I was young, under the age of 5, my dad was in an oil field accident.  Both of his legs were broken and after multiple surgeries to repair the nerves, he has lost feeling and movement from the knee down on his left leg.  He has scars from his hips to his ankles.  I think the doctors told him he'd never walk again and if he did walk he'd have to use a walker or cane.  He's walked with just a slight limp for as long as I can remember.  I've never seen him use a cane or walker except during his heart surgery and now at the end of this life.   This happened before he was 30, wow so very young.  His unbelievably strong attitude has taken him so far and been such a sight to watch.  Growing up, I've always known he had pain with his legs but he'd never show it.  If he wanted to do something, like going to Gunsite (a shooting school) where he had to get down on his knees, he'd figure out how to do it and make his body do what he needed it to.  He's always told me there's more than one way to get from A to B than a straight line.  He's always taught me to think outside the box to get what needs to be done, done.  This is just the beginning of how he's TEN FEET TALL & BULLETPROOF.

     The most amazing thing has been watching him over this last month.  He's really taught me so much all of my life about so many life lessons but this last month tops them all.  He's shown such power & strength when his body was failing.  He's shown me how to not be afraid.  He's always told me that he made his peace with God way back in Vietnam and that there are way worse things than dying.  Over this last month we have laughed and shared so many stories and truly enjoyed this time.  He's told me all the things to do and what not to forget to do...play with the boys Trin, take them shooting Trin, enjoy them (boys) now Trin, don't be sad for me Trin, take care of honey Trin, think outside the box Trin, read and read some more Trin, take care of Gary cause he's a good one Trin, don't take life too seriously Trin because it's over in the blink of an eye.  These are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head...I sat by his side and listened intently soaking it all in without shedding a tear.  I had to show my strength and that I'm good to go, so that he'll know I can handle it.  Now when I'd get in the car, I'd cry like I've never cried before.  I didn't know that my whole body could ache...I didn't know that my toenails could hurt.  I've never lost anyone close to me and this journey is one I'll never forget.  I'll never be the same.  But when I think about my dad knowing what was happening to his body and showing no fear and guiding us along this journey with him, I think wow he's still TEN FEET TALL & BULLETPROOF.  His body is failing but the courage, strength, & love he's shown says that he'll always be TEN FEET TALL & BULLETPROOF.  He'd say I always thought I go out in a blaze of glory...well he is, just not how he thought.

     I'll end with one of my favorite Clovis-isms...."Deservings ain't got one damn thing to do with it"

Trinity