Lessons learned from Dad

1. Even the strongest person in the world can hurt
My dad was always Superman, in my eyes. Bulletproof and never feared anything. I never saw him hurt, except when I was hurting too. I don't remember much from when I had a brain tumor, but what I do remember is moments captured in time. He would give me my I.V.'s (he was a medic, so he could), I would cry but I tried not to after the first time I did and I saw his face. It hurt him too. Once, my migraines were so bad they gave me morphine and I'm told that I was still screaming. I don't remember but mom said he cried then too. It hurt him that he couldn't do anything to help me. I know that I have hurt him too. Superman was still hurt by Kryptonite even if he was bulletproof.
2. Things, are just things. If they get broken or lost, it is okay because all that matters is that everyone is okay. You can't replace people but you CAN replace things.
 My dad had this hat that I really loved. It was kind of like an Indiana Jones style hat with a rattle snake tail on it. I played with the tail all the time because it rattled. I knew that it was Dad's favorite hat and one day the tail broke off. I burst into tears thinking of how much trouble I was going to be in and that I just broke Dad's favorite hat. Instead of being angry, he wrapped his arms around me and the first thing he said was "Are you okay?" When I nodded through sobs, he said told me this lesson: "Things can be replaced. As long as you are not hurt, I'm not angry." Then he held me until I stopped crying.

And the rest have too many stories to pick just one:

• Love people for who they ARE, not what you think they should or would be
• You can do anything that you set your mind to
• People are often wrong about what they think you are capable of, the only thing stopping you is You
• You are well loved, even if you think you are alone
• Love is not bound by distance or time
• Second chances never run out. The moment you give up on someone is when you will miss the moment you have been waiting for
• Forgiveness does not let the person off the hook, it simply removes the hook from your own mouth
• Live with no regrets. There is something to be learned from every mistake.
• If your dog doesn't like someone, you probably shouldn't either.
• A garden was never grown overnight, neither are relationships.
• Treat others how you want to be treated. Respect is never given without some in return.

What are some life lessons that you learned from your father/father figure?

Remember that you are beautiful and well loved!