My Dad, the Swimmer.

Today, November 17th, is my dad's birthday. He would be 73 today and if he were here with us, he would likely start out his day with a swim in Lake Harriet despite the clear hazards of November water temperatures in Minnesota.

My dad lived to 63, which seemed all too short for someone as fit and active as he was - swimming was just one of his many activities of choice. 

Slowing down for my dad was hard. The lung disease that interrupted his life progressively brought more and more day-to-day limitations. Over the course of 3+ years, the clinicians surrounding him had to give one piece of bad news after another.

Amazingly, he handled these seemingly never-ending limitations with grace on most days. He heeded his clinical team's advice to trade in swimming and biking for reading and reconnecting. He rested when he was tired, and used oxygen when he felt short of breath.

Those clinicians helped my dad do something he was not skilled in doing - slowing down, resting, and sometimes, sitting completely still. I am forever grateful for those doctors, nurses, social workers, and oxygen technicians who helped him adapt at the end of his life. As a result, I had moments and conversations with my dad that I don't think would have happened were it not for their influence.

To honor my dad and all the amazing people who provided him with care and support, I give to and volunteer my time with MNHPC.

Now, I'm going to go jump in Lake Harriet.