Happy Birthday to my Hero in Heaven ~

My Daddy is my hero. Today is his birthday. I am so thankful to have such wonderful memories in my heart forever. When my Daddy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, we found ourselves on the "other side" of healthcare. I am thankful and grateful for each and every caring healthcare professional that had a part in helping my Daddy. There were so many truly compassionate people. I sincerely thank you from my heart for being in the place where you held our hands, looked into our eyes and were not afraid to let us see you cry. Thank you all for listening to your heart.

I believed that all patients were treated with compassion at ALL times.....like those who were treated by the physicians, staff and hospital where I was employed for 34 years. Unfortunately, I found that not to be true. We were referred to many physicians, hospitals and universities. Following a very sad and heartless experience, I made a promise to my Daddy as we waited in the lobby, that I would do everything that I could to "make a difference" so that no other patient would have the same experience that we had just had.

Every patient is someone's hero, someone's Mother, Dad, child, brother, sister, loved one or friend. Each person deserves time and ears that listen, true compassion and concern. This is the reason for my passion, my ministry, my desire to help someone else have a more positive experience. In my heart, I feel the most preferred method of treatment should be COMPASSION. If there is any doubt, you will understand from the other side of healthcare. I would love to share a little about my Daddy.....the reason for desire to "make a difference".

A Tribute to My Daddy ~ My Hero

Thank you for all the times you held my little hand

Thank you for explaining what I did not understand

I never remember your speaking the words

"Ask me later for I have to work"

I loved each & every Saturday, together at the store

We shopped for groceries, yet I received much more

Waking me up each day while singing "You Are My Sunshine"

How could I ever even want to whine?

Those Sunday mornings you spent polishing my shoes

I proudly sang beside of you, standing tip toed on the pew

The words you shared with me, the love that you have shown

Means everything to me today, I sure hope that it's known

You said that I could do anything, some things better than others

Yet always reminding me that I was no better than another

You asked that on any work I do, to always do my best

Then be proud to sign my name to it and God would do the rest

Your faith, love and the most important words of all

Taught me what I know about the Man upon the Cross

Not just in your words, you see

But through the life you lived, 'twas obvious to me

Always encouraging,, always there

I always knew how much you cared

Because of you, I know unconditional love

From you and from My Father up above

I know you are right there beside of Him

I can hear your words of wisdom & see your little grin

While you were sick, another example of your Faith

You continued to be humble and kept that smile upon your face

I thank God for choosing me to be your daughter

I cannot imagine having any other father

Remembering the promise that I made to you that day

I hope I'm making a difference in each and every way

Happy Birthday, Daddy. I love you!

Now ~ "You Are MY Sunshine!"

By Denise Price Thomas

January 4, 2011