My Father, My Hero

In honor of Father's Day, I wanted to pause for a moment and write a brief post about my wonderful father. While he's not one for gushiness, I try to always make a point of telling him that he's the best father in the world on this very special day.

The Dad who wears BDUs and serves his country selflessly every day. The Dad that not only takes care of me but of ALL of his troops - even when that number is over 300. The Dad who sends me laughter via email when he's in Iraq. The Dad who never forgets to thank his family for their support of his service.

My Dad really is the best Dad - but not just because he's in the military. While it cannot be denied that his occupation was my one way ticket to travel the world, the opportunity to speak different languages and see other cultures, or live out such extraordinary adventures, he's amazing without the military hooah. After all, he is the man that held my hand throughout that journey and the man that made it such an incredible adventure.

Truth is, my father is someone I will always aspire to be like. An amazing leader. An amazing role model. Brave. Intelligent. Generous heart. Brilliant sense of humor.

I would not be the strong, independent, fearless woman I am today if it were not for him. He made me believe in myself from day one and because of that I always believe that I can do anything. That I am someone special. And without him, I would have never learned to push myself beyond the limits I think I have.

After all, it was my father who helped me climb to the top of Mt. Fuji when I thought I could not climb another foot. It was my father who told me it would be okay when I moved my senior year of high school and was faced with rebuilding my life yet again. It was my father who taught me the true meaning of suck it up and press on.

And it was my father who offered profound wisdom to me when he told me that when it comes to life that it is "not the result it is the journey." Something I have taken to heart and tried to live by every day.

Many thanks to my phenomenal father for all that he has done and all that he will do. I love you Dad. You are my hero.