Take That, Cancer.

The "C" word is a really scary one, and when it's used in regards to someone close to you, it's even scarier.

My mom's mom, my Mamoe, passed away from colon cancer last winter. She lived to be 89, and was one of the strongest women I've ever known. Her husband, my poppop, has survived two different types of cancer. It's people like these we learn to live from.

When my dad came to Virginia Beach to meet me for lunch one day this past fall, I had no idea I'd leave Panera Bread in tears. My dad had really scary news for me; he's been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Forget the fact that many men live with prostate cancer. This was my dad. I've never seen him sick. He's always the strong one taking care of other people. When I had to hear those words coming from his mouth, I was scared to death.

daddy had hair when I was little!

To those of you who didn't know, does my really emotional birthday post to my dad make more sense, now? :)

Fortunately, his doctor is one of the best. After lots of tests and a second opinion, my dad was scheduled to have surgery to remove the cancer on the day before new years eve, December 30. Quite an eventful start to 2011, huh, Dad?

The hospital is here in Norfolk, VA, so I got to be at the hospital with my parents after his surgery. He was in the operating room from 8:00 a.m. until almost 2:00 p.m., and had the da Vinci robotic surgery. As far as surgery goes, how cool is that? The doctor essentially plays a video game and uses robotic hands to do the removal.

"hes proud'a me, so proud'a me!"

When I saw my dad for the first time in that hospital room, it was a little upsetting for me. I was used to seeing my dad knowing everything, fixing houses, and taking any lake on water-skis like a champ. His hurting was really hard for me to think about.
Fortunately, my dad is a champ. After I stayed with him in his little recovery room overnight, he went on a walk through the hospital wing the very next day, and did well through his two hour ride home in the back of the minivan.

I've been learning more and more lately that it's hard times such as these that show you just how strong people are. I so admire the strength of my mom through all of this, and I love how both of my parents have taken the attitude of just getting through this. Cancer is surmountable, and we will conquer it.

Dad's now at home and recuperating with his Kindle loaded up with new books, DVR full of fresh TV shows, and my momma at his side!

the muskrat spirit shines. he'll be up and at'em in no time!

Take that, cancer. You've got nothin' on us Halters.

My Dad Is AWESOME.

I can always count on my daddy to tell me how proud of me he is.

Catawba Homecoming 2009

I could always count on my daddy to hold my hand. As a child, I'd grab onto his (long, Halter) fingers to cross the ski slopes in the Pocono Mountains. In grade school, he showed me his hand in math at the kitchen table. In college, he escorted me across the field to have me crowned as Homecoming Queen. Now, he lends me his hand for the many tasks of moving, building, fixing, and advice in the adult world.

Catawba Graduation 2010

I can always count on my daddy to teach me life's lessons: to not leave the lights on, to shut the front door and not let out all the heat ("picture those dollar bills walking out the door!"), or to always keep the wrist strap on the Wii because "people throw these things at their TVs and break them."

look! he's got hair!

I could always count on my daddy to help me with my math homework, eat breakfast with me at the crack of dawn before school, teach me how to tile a floor and use power tools, or teach me to drive a stick shift.

Dad was always my buddy in pumpkin carving.

I could always count on my daddy to cheer me on at my sporting events, cheer the loudest when I'm onstage for voice recitals or musicals, to sport a Shawnee/Catawba field hockey shirt or hat, or to take mom, maggie, and me out in Key West on my 21st birthday.

Key West - January 2009

I can always count on my daddy to be awake early in the morning when I need something... and to most definitely be asleep before 11 p.m.

Dad and all his good lookin' kids ;)

I can always count on my daddy to eagerly jump at the chance to take me office supply shopping or to have some ice cream with me.  I wonder where I got my sweet tooth and love for electronics? ;)

Dad designed their NC house!

I will always remember how proud he was of me when I graduated high school, then college, and when I made him tear up at my first ever voice recital when I sang my favorite Disney song, Part Of Your World.

celebratiiiooon!

My dad is awesome. He's such a strong, smart, intense guy who has always helped me with whatever I need. I don't know what I'd do without him!

I'm pretty positive I have the best dad in the world.

Happy birthday, Daddy-O!

What makes your dad awesome?