If you know me, I am sure you have read something I have written about my Dad. He has been my one and only hero my entire life. My Dad was in the Navy during World War II and received numerous accommodations including two Bronze Stars, the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, and the Navy Cross. More of his story can be found at:

http://specialfinancecoach.com/blog1/my-hero/

This will be my first Veterans Day since my Dad’s passing. He passed away fittingly on Memorial Day this year. It was my first experience in losing someone close to me to Cancer. It is such a terrible disease and I pray that one day a cure is found.

I haven’t wanted to talk about his passing almost as if I didn’t say anything, it didn’t happen. This changed recently. I met a gentleman named Chris Purdy at a book signing. He was signing his book named The September Effect. In hearing the description of the book and the obvious passion Chris had for it, I was moved to purchase it immediately.

The September Effect is a story about his Dad’s struggle with cancer and the subsequent emotional struggles Chris went through in the years after his death. I enjoyed reading every page and it made me realize the feelings I am having are normal.

What can’t be explained or rationalized are the events that recently happened at Fort Hood. Our soldiers prepare and understand the possibilities of being injured or killed in a military zone but to be gun downed by someone in the same uniform on their home base. I know it will take a long time but hope the men and women of our armed forces that were affected by this can get their lives back together.

Every day we enjoyed freedoms that are protected by our military. On this day, please remember to be appreciative and thank a soldier.

This year, I won’t have the opportunity to call my father and thank him personally but I know he is still listening.

Thank you Dad for your service to our country and God bless America!

Happy Veterans Day!