Week 190

Positive post Sunday, October 11, 2020…. Week 190.  

Positive Post Sunday week #190

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Written by a daughter on behalf of her father as he recovers

Three words kept coming to mind this past week, as my dad has been recovering in the hospital. I believe these cover his most important and noteworthy characteristics: committed, selfless, and strong. The fact that I am writing his 190th Positive Post Sunday is a small example of his commitment, particularly the fact that he had me bring his laptop to the hospital while recovering from MULTIPLE significant injuries, solely for the purpose of writing his own positive post. But it is so much more than a Sunday morning Facebook post. We are talking about a man that has been a volunteer for the Redlands Bicycle Classic for about 26 years, a strong supporter for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for the past 10 years, a board member of Goodwill of Southern California for roughly 4 years, a life member of the Optimus Club, a faithful husband to my angel of a mother for 37 years, and a devoted father/Papa to 5 children and 11 grandchildren. Commitment is no stranger to my father, and many are blessed because of it.

All of this fits in perfectly with my next word: selfless. Which is a vast understatement, in my opinion. The first thing my dad said to me when I walked up to his gurney in the ER was such: “sorry you have two dads to worry about now”, which was shortly followed by “how is matt and his family doing?” (My father-in-law is also recovering right now). This was all while being hooked up to several machines, with road rash from head to toe, a neck collar, and oxygen. Fast forward a couple of days: he is in the ICU with almost all of his left ribs broken, a carotid dissection, spinal fracture, and a broken ankle to name a few. And all he can worry about is my mom getting re-elected for the School Board. It amazes me the level of concern he has for others, even when trauma is staring him straight in the face. To add to the list above, my dad also joined the Alumni board and the board of trustees of his alma mater at the University of Redlands for many years. Just another example of how he never forgets to give back. He always strives to find a way to step in and show up for others and for his community. A trait I only hope my own children some day can say about me.

Strength, according to the dictionary, is “the capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure”. How true. How relevant! My dad has overcome many challenges physically over my lifetime. From beating death by God’s grace and having open heart surgery when I was 12 years old to beating it again after being hit by a car on his bicycle last Friday morning. Thank God for our first responders, and thank God for the many doctors and nurses at Loma Linda Medical Center that have been caring for him ever since. He has never lost faith during these times, and his strength is astonishing.

I know this time is hard for him. For anyone who knows my father, he is usually the one helping, reaching out, showing up, giving, providing…you name it. But, Dad, it is long overdue and well-deserved that you let others show up for YOU, provide for YOU, and help YOU. And that’s just what our family, friends, community, and the nurses/doctors have done. He, and our family have been overwhelmed by the amount of support and love pouring over him this past week, and I thank God for all of you bringing him comfort while he recovers.

Dad, I am honored to have written on your behalf in one of your sacred Positive Posts. But I am even more honored to be your daughter.

I love you💙