Just got some not so good news…  My dad needs surgery to get ready for dialysis.  He is my hero, my best friend-my biggest cheerleader-so many times he has urged me on when I felt like I couldn’t succeed at something, my little lady’s everything, my boyzee’s favorite guy, adored by my HUBS.  He goes to every hockey game, basket ball game, sorting, gymkana, little lady’s horse riding, EVERYTHING he can attend that involves his family.

I know I am lucky to still have him (and I thank God everyday for him!).  He isn’t in the best health even without the kidney probs.  I just want more time-more time to make more memories, more time to hug him, more time to tell him I love him again!  It may be a couple months to a year before he needs dialysis but most likely sooner than later.  I can’t imagine not having him with me.  Not sure how I will ever get over not having him around.  I know I need to make the time I have left with him the best.  I pray that he will be one of the guys that thrives and is okay with the dialysis.

One of the best (and sometimes the worst) qualities about my dad is that he is stubborn and has very strong convictions (these are his words, not mine).  I pray he becomes okay with dialysis and doesn’t end up feeling bad about it.  I have inherited this stubborn gene from him so I can usually help him not feel bad as I want him to be comfortable and happy through this life!

My dad was amazing in my childhood.  I am pretty sure he never missed anytime I swam a race, showed my piggies and lambs, recited the FFA Creed, sold apples to make money for our 4-H club (my dads truck was filled every year with boxes of apples I had sold almost every house from town to our home out of town!) and EVERYTHING else I did-I was a busy kid!

One of my favorite memories with my dad is when my mom would go out of town he would make the most incredible homemade potato chips.  My brother and I would eat an entire 5 lb bag of potatoes expertly sliced and fried by my dad.  He made a dip from Pace Picante Sauce and sour cream that was to heavenly!  We would watch movies most of the night and eat these amazing chips!

My dad has the LOUDEST VOICE!  He would sit in the stands watching me swim at the State Championships finals.  I remember being on the swim block getting ready to start my race and he would yell, “GO BLONDIE” (a nickname from high school given to me by a swim coach).  I remember the feeling of pride I had that my dad was watching me and I was making him proud!

So here is to making memories with our friends and families while we are all on this earth!  I am so thankful to God that this fantastic man is my daddy o and my kiddos PAPA!  Hugs!

Alisha (aka Wild Woman of the West)

P.S.  Visit our facebook page at facebook.com/WildWomanoftheWest.  While you are there, share your favorite pic of you and a friend or family member.  We would LOVE to hear why they are special to you!