I am an Airman. I am a husband. I am a father blessed with 3 healthy children. As an Airman I live by "Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do." As a father I try to pass my beliefs onto my children, but how much do they really understand at such young ages?
When my wife and I were discussing my upcoming orders, my daughter answered that question for me. Upon hearing that I would be away for St. Baldricks this year, without missing a beat, she asked to stand in my place and shave her head. "Daddy, I can raise money this year and kids would feel better seeing me without hair. I will look like them so they don't have to be lonely while they get better. Mommy says all children are beautiful and hair is just a sign of beauty. It really is in your heart. It will grow back." With tears in our eyes, we agreed that she could. She skipped out of the room to go look at her hat collection.
Yes, I am a proud father and my 7-year-old is my hero. I will shave my head in unity with my Rayna on 3/20/2011 far away from home but with all the pride a daddy's heart can hold knowing my daughter is making a difference in another child's life.