What My Dad Taught Me Before He Died
Huffington Post | Carmela Antolino
Photo: When Seattle dad Damon Brown was in need of a kidney, he set up a Facebook page and asked his friends and family members to share the link. When he found a donor -- someone he knew but didn't consider a close friend -- she told him the good deed was for his kids, "because they deserve to have a dad around."
My dad was the first man I ever loved...my hero...my strength. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with my father when I was growing up, hanging around while he toyed with his '74 Challenger, built something new or listened to his Italian music so loudly that the whole street could hear.
I am the youngest and only girl in my family. Being raised in an Italian family, I was instantly favoured by my mom and held in a special place by my dad. I learned a lot growing up -- some very tough lessons, in fact -- with a strong male influence. I grew a thick skin and one of the most important lessons I learned was that no matter what life throws your way, being strong is not a choice, it's mandatory for survival.
My dad is the ultimate role model for strength, courage and determination. It was early in 1994 when my dad suffered a heart attack one morning before my brother and I left for school. I didn't understand exactly what was happening, all I remember is being scared.
Fortunately, my dad survived his heart attack, but was told he had about six weeks to live. My dad was in no way prepared to let go. Opting for a second opinion, my father learned he was a candidate for a heart transplant and was put on the organ waiting list. For weeks my family and I were on edge. We would receive calls in the middle of the night telling us they had a heart for my dad.
I am the youngest and only girl in my family. Being raised in an Italian family, I was instantly favoured by my mom and held in a special place by my dad. I learned a lot growing up -- some very tough lessons, in fact -- with a strong male influence. I grew a thick skin and one of the most important lessons I learned was that no matter what life throws your way, being strong is not a choice, it's mandatory for survival.
My dad is the ultimate role model for strength, courage and determination. It was early in 1994 when my dad suffered a heart attack one morning before my brother and I left for school. I didn't understand exactly what was happening, all I remember is being scared.
Fortunately, my dad survived his heart attack, but was told he had about six weeks to live. My dad was in no way prepared to let go. Opting for a second opinion, my father learned he was a candidate for a heart transplant and was put on the organ waiting list. For weeks my family and I were on edge. We would receive calls in the middle of the night telling us they had a heart for my dad.
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