Heroes

Journey, challenge, good, bad, and even ugly are all words we use to describe life.  Like everyone else, I have experienced my share of things that can be described using those words.  And, sometimes, those life experiences can make a person feel a little ungrounded.  Fortunately, there are numerous people in my life who have made an impression on me. Some are fighters, some are survivors.  They are people I look up to.  Some are people who, during their lives, went to far away places and fought for our country. Some are people who have survived cancer.  They have faced challenges and fears most of us cannot imagine.  And yet, their spirits shine brightly.  Here are just a few of the people who have inspired me during my journey.

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Sometimes, she is one of the only people standing in my corner, supporting me no matter the challenge.  She is one of the most compassionate and hard working people I know.  She's also a breast cancer survivor, and she's walked 360 miles (so far) in the fight to end this terrible disease.  I am blessed that she is my beautiful Wife.

My friend, Lloyd, served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot.  He has several interesting stories from his experiences during the war, including the day he found himself submerged, upside down, after his helicopter crashed into a river.  Thanks for your service Lloyd. 

My friend, Laura, is a two-time breast cancer survivor.  She is a bright lamp of hope in a darkness too many women face when they are told they have breast cancer.  Her spirit, her strength, and her family have been an inspiration to me and to many. 

My friend, Vern, is depicted here in the reflection of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in St. Paul.  In 1967, Vern fought alongside some of these men, and he saw firsthand the horrors of that war.  Thank you for your service, Vern, and Welcome Home.

And finally, my Dad.  Though he did not fight in war or beat breast cancer, he is the man who played a major part in who I have become.  He taught me right from wrong, and he gave me the tools I needed to be who I am.  Thanks Dad.