Frankie Wayne

November marks the month for giving thanks. Well, November also brings back some memories that make me more thankful for one man in my life that could never be replaced. As the week approaches that marks the anniversary of a rather dark event in my life, I can't help but want to celebrate Thanksgiving a bit earlier each year.

When I go home to my parents house, I always follow the same routine. I walk inside, throw my bag on the floor, say hello to my mom, and then walk down the stairs to the basement. Before I can even utter a word, I am always greeted with, "Well hello, Toots. What are you doing here?" It is the same line every single time, and every time, I shake my head and laugh before sitting in the same chair and giving him the same answer, "It's because I missed you so much." I cherish these moments because there was a time in my life when these moments would have been non-existent.

My dad is a wonderful person, and I love him so very much. I fought with myself on whether or not I would ever do a post about him, and even as I write this, I'm not sure I really want to post it. My dad has been through so much, and his family has been through so much as a result of his challenges. I don't like to talk about it, and nine times out of ten, I end up crying about it all if I do. Frank Clark has been at the doorstep of death more times than I can count on my hand.

It is absolutely terrifying watching your father fight for his life.

I know that it is the cycle of life, believe me, I've been exposed to it enough. But regardless of your experience with something, it never prepares you to cope with the hopelessness you feel when you get the call that you have to go to the hospital. Or when you watch your father cry as you hold his hand in the ICU. It is nothing you ever get used to, but for me, I'm slowly learning to see the positive that comes from these experiences.

He is both the most stubborn and the strongest man I've ever known.

I don't know how he does it, but he just keeps coming back. He fights and fights until he beats the very thing that tries to take him from us, and I don't know how he keeps going. I do not know what drives him, but I'm not complaining. He shows me every day what perseverance is, but above all he shows me  that there are things worth living and fighting for in this world. Life is about the little pieces that paint a big picture that those around us get to see.

My dad has a beautiful picture.

He loves his family more than anything, and he has worked hard his entire life to give them the best that he can. His nieces and nephews adore him, and on any given day could probably spout off what has become a, "Frank Clarkism." His friends respect and cherish him; a couple have even saved his life, an act that could never be given enough thanks. His children see in him a wonderful father, and maybe one day an even better grandfather. Dad has lead a truly beautiful life, but only the man himself could say it best...

"Don't worry, I'm stickin' around."