A few years ago, I did a special edition blog post dedicated to my mom for Mother’s Day. It ended up being a popular one and I loved being able to collaborate with her on the post and learn more about her perspective as a caregiver and parent of a child with chronic illness. Fast forward to now, I figured I would do the same with my dad for Father’s Day. I’ve been a Daddy’s girl since day one and I’m excited to share his perspective today.
“No parent wants to hear their child has a chronic illness. When Christie first started to show symptoms, I believed it was just a simple problem that will eventually pass with a little treatment and all will be okay. No problem is too big to fix, right? A dad’s way of thinking. After months of doctor’s appointments and numerous tests, Christie was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
I never thought of myself as a caregiver but here we were faced with our little girl having Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Now what? For those that don’t me personally, I have been told I have a calming demeanor. At least on the outside. I knew right away my role was to be a calming support dad. Getting Christie through the most stressful time of her life. She was in her early 20’s! How is this happening to our little girl?
Thank God for Christie’s mom, Claudine. She is a superhero (caregiver). I tried to follow her lead and be as supportive as possible. Christie proved to be our real superhero fighting this disease with all her strength and determination. Some very bad days and more very good days. I am so proud of all her accomplishments. She put her health as the number one priority and hasn’t let IBD hold her back. It may have slowed her down on occasion, but she just gets right back up.
As a father, I want nothing but the best for all my kids. I still worry every day that they will be okay. Christie along with her brothers have proved to be thriving. And I will always be here for them with all my heart.”
Wow, thanks for the tear jerker, Dad! My dad is right in that he has always been the calm in the midst of the storm and sometimes that’s just what a child needs during hard times. Growing up, I always admired my dad’s work ethic. Personality wise, we are very similar. We tend to be the quieter ones in the room, but when given the opportunity we have a lot of good things to say. Some of these traits I inherited from him and hope to pass on to my children one day.
I’ve learned a lot from both of my parents during my diagnosis of what it means to love selflessly, make sacrifices for your children, and listen to what they need in that moment. There’s no harder job than being a parent, or a caregiver for that matter, and I feel so lucky to have their support now and always. My relationship with my parents is different and special because they witnessed me at my worst – something no parent wishes for. They have always been my constants and I wouldn’t be here or have the positive mindset that I do without their support, as cliché as that sounds.
I love you lots, daddy, and Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for everything you do.
How are you celebrating the father figure in your life today? Share in the comments below!
Turning Wellness into a Lifestyle 