Health & Fitness
Let's Hear Your Story: My Father… My Strength… My Rock, by Amy Peters
This blogging installment is the first in a series of inspiring stories about overcoming great odds, collected by Barnegat resident Tony Lombardo.
The past five years have been tough and hard. Lots of tears, lots of worry and just trying to get through day by day. My father, (who is my rock and best friend), has always been there for me whenever I needed someone to keep me in line.
We started a family carpet-cleaning company over 20 years ago. The past five years of working seven days a week have finally caught up with Dad. My husband and I are trying to fill his shoes. My father has been in and out of ICU’s. Each trip to the hospital has me watching him in extreme pain.
I am not accustomed to seeing my dad that ill. This really hit my heart, and I continuously stayed by his bedside.
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The nurses on staff were (and still are) great. They set me up with a chair bed beside him. On top of that, I tried to keep working and keep up with my bills and take care of his home. Presently, my dad works full time and (by the grace of God) he continues to work while going through chemo treatment on weekends.
really touched my heart because I can relate to it. I am so grateful for the people who have helped us. Right now, I need to get my business up and running. Additionally, I also worry about losing my home…this is the home which my dad plans on moving back to in Manahawkin sometime during the coming years.
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Today is “calling the insurance companies" day. Later, I go canvassing the area with our company’s flyers (which has been know for our great service as we go above and beyond…) This takes my mind off of the hardships I am facing at this time. I feel that my dad is with me in spirit with every job I do.
Dad is not one to dwell or pity himself. It is very difficult to tell him not to be so hard on himself but he’s TUFF in every sense of the word.
Dad, thank you for getting me through my “tough times” by means of your example of inner strength.
Editor's note: Email your stories to Tony Lombardo at: justttt@verizon.net. The stories can be tales of economic, health or emotional woes you have faced or are still now learning to overcome. They can be accounts of chasing dreams and achieving goals. Let's hear your story!
