If you have been reading my blog for a long time (at least four years) you will know that four years ago this summer was VERY hard for my family. My dad was diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in February of 2012. The first round of chemo was pretty easy on him but it didn’t help. That summer he embarked on a much more severe round of chemo, and ended up being in the hospital for quite a while. I basically lived there. I ate all my meals there, I worked from there, it was my second home. I am my dad’s only child and we are extremely close. My entire family on my dad’s side is very close. This was something that was just devastating to all of us. Through the entire process all I could think was my dad is bold. He showed so much courage. He did not give up. My dad has always been a thin guy. His nickname has always been Big Skinny. In fact when I was 17 and my first car was given to me, it had my dads personalized license plate still on it. That license plate read “BG SKNY.” Not my favorite thing about getting a car haha. I digress. Him being skinny meant that chemo, medicines, and surgeries were very hard on his body. He didn’t want to eat. I would bring him all of his favorites: Pizza, Whataburger, candy, whatever he wanted. They weren’t too concerned with what he ate as long as he ate.
Watching my dad suffer day after day just wore me down. I began to lose faith. Not only in God, but in myself, in my family, in doctors, etc. My dad though my dad is bold. He did not lose faith. He kept going. Eventually he left the hospital and went home. A nurse came every single day to hook him up to an IV for eight hours. A few months later he went back to work. In January of 2013 he had a stem cell transplant. It meant many many more weeks in the hospital. We couldn’t see him as much because germs were a no no. In fact the first time Andrew met my dad was in the hospital after his transplant. My dad stayed strong. My dad is bold I tell you. He powered through. He did the chemo after. Several months later his hair came back dark and thick just like he was never sick. He gained weight back, and while he’s still skinny, he doesn’t look sick.
The next year Andrew and I got married. If you were at my wedding you know it was a very very emotional wedding. My dad basically started crying the night we got engaged and didn’t stop till our honeymoon. Seriously, during the ceremony my back was to my family and I could hear my dad crying and my mom trying to calm him down. It became somewhat of a running joke. Also note the photo of us dancing below, he is holding a dinner napkin for the tears. He walked me down the aisle, gave a beautiful toast, we danced, and partied all night.
I remember sitting in the hospital room a night we thought he wouldn’t make it. I was crying and kept telling him he had to fight, he had to be there when I got married. He had to walk me down the aisle and dance with me. He made it. He got to do those things. My dad is bold.
Right now LISTERINE is launching their Bring Out the Bold campaign. My dad being the boldest man I know, I knew I had to write about him in conjunction with this campaign. Make sure to check out the campaign. LISTERINE is a product we use daily in our home and something we have both used for years and years. I highly support this campaign.
I would love to know about a bold man in your life!
I’m partnering with #LISTERINE as part of a LISTERINE® sponsored series for Socialstars™
*Wedding photos courtesy of Elixir Entertainment
Thank you for sharing this!
What a nice tribute to your dad! It is so hard to care for those who need us the most sometimes. Keep your faith!
What an amazing story about your dad! I’m glad you have such a good relationship with him and I’m glad that he won his fight against such a terrible illness.
This is an incredible story. Thank you for sharing your heart here! xo
Ugh, I have chills! Hugs to you and your Dad. He sounds like an amazing man!
My hubby is bold. He’s a retired vet and the most amazing man I know.
What an incredible man! My father passed when I was 13, and his not being there for my biggest moments break my heart- I love reading stories where dads make it. Love to all the bold dads.
Such a wonderful post, prayers to you and your dad…YOU and He are both brave and bold!
What a wonderful story and glad he listened to you and got well for your wedding day.
Cue all the tears! I can’t imagine being in this situation but praise Heavens that your Dad is bold. He is strong and he is a fighter! What an incredible story. I’m beyond glad for you that your Dad was there for your wedding day!
I def had lots of tears in my eyes reading this! For anyone that has had to deal with cancer, I believe is bold. My boyfriends uncle dealt with it for so many years. Unfortunately he did not make it. It’s exhausting to see them go through it and I know I questioned why god made it happen to his uncle. I am so glad that your dad is doing well and I hope that he continues to do so.
such a happy ending my dear…
This past weekend, I went to the funeral of dear friend’s dad who lost the battle with cancer. I’m glad your dad battled through. May he have many more brave years.
SO many tears. Thank you for sharing. What an amazing guy your father is-
What a wonderful story, you’re blessed with an amazing dad!
What a touching story! Here’s to many more years & memories with your dad:)
Beautiful pictures and a lovely post! Thanks for sharing.
Yes, your dad is bold and your family is lucky for that. Wonderful wedding and obviously you mean the world to him 🙂
I cannot express how happy I am that you got to share that special day with your dad. We are not all as lucky so cherish it.
Awwwww what a story!!!! So touching. Your dad sounds like an amazing man 🙂
Dads are awesome, especially bold brave Dads who love their kids as he obviously loves you so much.
I’m so glad he made it and you’ve experienced so much happiness with him.
That bond with your dad is so important. So glad he made it 🙂
This is such a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing with us!