Courage. A post about my father.
For the next 10 days, I’m participating in Momalom’s ‘Five for Ten’, where I’ll write 5 posts in 10 days on various topics. Read more of the participants’ posts, or join in at Momalom.
His resume makes him sound terrifying, like the star of a crime show. He’s a 36 year police veteran of one of the toughest cities in MA. He’s won numerous awards for valor, life saving…even life saving with valor for running into a burning apartment building and pulling several people to safety. It landed him in the hospital, but he still went back to work and did it all again without hesitation. He’s a 3rd degree black belt in karate. He was a green beret.
Years ago, in the line of duty, he was stuck with a needle while making a drug bust. He spent 6 months going through testing to make sure he was ok. Never letting us know how upset he was, never seeming scared, while he was breaking down inside.
This is a courageous man.
He looks like a cop wherever he goes. His mirrored sunglasses and his mustache and the way he scans a room always give him away. You don’t want to mess with him, and he makes that very clear from the first time you meet him.
In reality, he is a big softy. A devoted father and grandfather.
He never smiles as wide as when he is with my girls.
He is kind hearted and generous and would give the shirt off his back to someone who needed it. As long as you don’t look at him the wrong way.
When it snows, he’s at my doorstep to shovel. When it rains, he calls to tell us to be careful. If we’re sick, he sends over a batch of his famous chili or stuffed peppers.
He’s a man of few words. He’s never been much for small talk, but I’ve noticed lately that he calls me every Thursday morning to talk about the previous night’s episode of Ghost Hunters. It’s his way of reaching out and chatting more, and I look forward to those Thursday calls more every week.
It took me growing up to know what a great man he is and the enormity of what he has accomplished as a police officer. Talking about him makes me so proud. People who know him consider themselves lucky, and I think people who he loves feel as blessed as I do.
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Posted by LZ on May 11, 2010
Filed under: Daily Life, Favorite Posts
Tags: courage, father
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May 11, 2010
That really is so nice. Glad for you that you have that kind of love and relationship with your dad.
Susie´s last blog ..The Kindness Club: Week 5 Prompt
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May 11, 2010
Sounds like one awesome dad you have! I totally respect police officers. He is very courageous.
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May 11, 2010
Twitter: IHaveLanded
Wow – he is the kind of heroic dad in the movies isn’t he? You’re so lucky. I envy you since the one I have is exactly the opposite. A daddy-daughter relationship can be one of the most important relationships a girl can have when cultivated, and it looks like you do. I’m genuinely happy for you.
Justine´s last blog ..It didn’t feel like courage
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May 11, 2010
What a wonderful tribute to your courageous, sweet dad. I smiled reading this feeling the respect you obviously have for him.
So happy you’re playing along in FiveForTen!
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May 11, 2010
Twitter: mommyiscranky
This is a great post. It sounds like you have a wonderful Dad. I’m sure the not-talking-much and the cop-style protectiveness could have been a strain on a young person who couldn’t see through it, but I’m glad for you both to hear that you understand his true feelings.
Cranky Sarah´s last blog ..Looking back on a Sucky Sunday
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May 11, 2010
Your dad sounds like quite the man. What a wonderful gift he is giving your daughters by being involved w/ them. Just reading your loving tribute made me want to cry. Dads rock!
Sues2u2´s last blog ..Not meaning to be MIA or anything but…
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May 11, 2010
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad. I love how little rituals – like your Thurs. morning call – really are a way to keep connected. Very sweet!
Cheryl´s last blog ..Courage is within all of us
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May 11, 2010
This is so lovely. I love learning about the truths behind first impressions. I love the contradictions of a black belt and a goopy grandpa. They shouldn’t be contradictions at all, of course. Wonderful post and tribute.
Jen´s last blog ..Courage is
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May 11, 2010
You’ve seriously made me cry. Your father sounds like a wonderful man — and so much like my own dad. He died four years ago and I miss him so very much.
Beautiful post.
Zen Mom´s last blog ..If Its Not One Thing, Its Another
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May 11, 2010
What a loving tribute to your father. He sounds solid as a rock. A man who obviously shows his love through actions rather than words. As I’m getting older, I’m learning to appreciate the small things about my father, too. I guess it’s the gift age gives us.
TheKitchenWitch´s last blog ..Veg-Head Monday: Zucchini Stuffed Tomatoes
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May 11, 2010
Twitter: hereslizz
Ooooh i bet he was FUN meeting your boyfriends, huh?
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LZ replied:
May 11th, 2010
He only really liked one, and luckily it was the right one!
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May 11, 2010
Twitter: NickiinNY
What a wonderful tribute to your father!
Nicki´s last blog ..Who in Your Life Has Shown You What Courage Is?
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May 11, 2010
Wow, your dad sounds like a great man. I’d say he’s lucky to have a daughter who loves him so much, but it sounds like he’s EARNED it!!
Jenn M´s last blog ..Without Fear
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May 11, 2010
Loved reading this! What a nice tribute. I think you should give him a copy b/c he might not know just how very much you love, admire and respect him!!
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May 11, 2010
Twitter: BOREDmommy
I love this post – I can just feel the love you have for your dad. He sounds like an amazing man, father and grandfather. I hope you tell him about this post, so he can read it. Fabulous example of courage.
Maria @BOREDmommy´s last blog ..Courage
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May 12, 2010
The love you have for your dad is palpable. I love the dichotomy between serious cop and goofy grandfather. Of course, both are exactly who they are meant to be. Glad to have found you thanks to Five for Ten!
Shawna´s last blog ..Without Borders
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May 12, 2010
This is such a nice tribute to your father. I am a policeman’s wife and I know that my kids don’t “get it” quite yet, what exactly he does and the pressures and the over-protectiveness that arises from what he sees. I can only hope they can be so grateful when they are grown.
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May 12, 2010
[...] Courage. A Post About My Father- from My Messy Paradise [...]
May 13, 2010
Twitter: noreturnmom
Amazing. Thanks for sharing such an inspiring story about your dad.
Deb´s last blog ..I am a sucker for sleeping babies
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May 13, 2010
Twitter: CoffeesCommutes
It’s Thursday morning, so now I know what you’ll be doing. I love this. I have an extra special relationship with my dad too. and enjoying hearing when others have the same. Dads can be special people.
Christine LaRocque´s last blog ..Happiness From Trying Again
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May 13, 2010
That is a sweet post. I hope he reads your blog. I made my hubby read it the one time I posted something really nice about hium!
)
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May 14, 2010
Your father sounds a lot like mine. For years, I was almost intimidated by his ‘toughness’. It took me growing up to see that he was my hero. I grew up in Springfield, MA, one of the scariest cities in the state. If I can ask, in what city was your dad an officer?
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LZ replied:
May 16th, 2010
Of course – he was in Lawrence.
It kind of gives you a whole new perspective once you get older. Meanness now seems like care, strict now = protect. I get it…
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