These are a few of my dad's guitars. He's an accomplished musician and plays out with his band, The The Feral Catz when he's not working at his company.
Unlike his firstborn daughter (moi) who has traversed the globe and had freedom in location and jobs, my father hasn't had that chance. He and my mother married young and a handful of years later had his twin girls, both of whom developed type 1 diabetes at tender young ages. Four year later he added a healthy son to the mix.
There was no room for a full-time musician gig, and his responsibilities to his new and growing family (with tangled webs of chronic illnesses) won out against fully indulging his ultimate passions (music, writing, teaching, traveling to Africa). Diabetes is a family disease that affects everyone, and the diabetic's beta cells are most certainly not the only casualty.
Luckily for me, my father has been working in the company my grandfather started since childhood, and through the company's medical plan, designed to fully cover family, he has always provided critical coverage for us, reimbursing 100% of any out-of-pocket medical expenses. Even at thirty years of age the policy stands; should we ever need it, it will be there. It brings me peace of mind. What a gift!
Having spent the last year in Taiwan but not wanting my US insurance to lapse, I have been on COBRA from my former job for the last year, and the high cost of the monthly COBRA payments have been paid in full through this plan. Without this generous support, my life would be drastically different. My dad's hard work, generosity and sacrifice have made it possible for me to live the life I've always wanted, without my diabetes or the confines of medical expenses and burdened finances getting in the way. Isn't that what all parents want for their children?
What a blessing this has been, and continues to be for me. I am one lucky lady. This I know for sure.
Thank you, Papa Woody. I love you!
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5 s h o u t s:
Your health insurance coverage is wonderful.
And your dad is obviously wonderful!
Hi Amylia.
Any man with such nice guitars can drink from my canteen anyday! He sounds like a real first-class guy.
Have a happy Super Bowl.
What a good guy. I hope you shared this post with him.
When I think of the things that I have the opportunity to do that came from my parents sacrifices, I am often overwhelmed. I also hope to be able to return the favor.
From this post I can tell that you're a wonderful, compassionate, considerate daughter. You're lucky, but so is your dad.
thanks, Beth.
I happen to think you're right! :) We're both lucky!
My son would love your dad's guitars. They look very nice.
Your dad has done so much for you. You are very blessed. And he's very blessed to have you as his daughter.
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