Thank you, Dad!

People may not always realize that family life might look a little different when someone in the family has a disability. My dad has been there for me from day one and is not only my dad, but also my main caregiver. He has been home full-time for the past 2 years. During that time, we’ve been figuring out how and what I need to live as an independent adult. He was there with me through every weekend of Partners in Policymaking. He even got to be my helper at college when we couldn’t find a daytime personal care attendant.

My dad fixes and troubleshoots issues with all of my equipment – from wheelchair, to communication device, to shower chair, to wheelchair lifts and ramps. He’s the best cook ever. Seriously, his homemade pizza is amazing! He is there for me for all medical appointments and holding tight during some of my scarier and more painful stays in the hospital. Over the years, he has carried me to the tops of fire towers, lighthouses, onto sandy beaches, swimming in oceans, to wheelchair-impossible corners of Yellowstone and other parks to see waterfalls or other natural wonders – he would make sure I got to experience everything I wanted to experience even when there were barriers in the way.

I think sometimes people assume that moms are doing everything… in our family, it’s always been both of my parents working together and holding on tight as we go through all the curve balls that life throws at us. I am so lucky to have such loving parents.

On this Father’s Day, I am holding on to love and letting my dad know that even though it’s not always very easy, and it may not be the path he had expected, that what he does each and every day rocks. I am who I am today, because he has been there for me through all the crappy times and through the awesome times. I love you, dad!