For Throwback Thursday — going back to 2015 when Lola came to visit me on Good Day Columbus!
Columbus viewers might remember that Amy did regular segments on GDC as the “Queen of Chic,” and would bring Lola with her to the studio. (She even took some of her first steps behind the scenes!)
This particular photo was taken right after I had returned to work from bilateral knee replacement surgery. I had both knees replaced on February 10, 2015 — after having both hips replaced 15 months earlier on December 2, 2013. I was given three months to recover — but pushed myself to come back after just two.
I remember what a struggle it was — physically and emotionally — to get back to work, wondering what kind of daddy I could be for Lola Jean… after enduring so much over the previous couple of years, just to become a dad.
Fast forward nine years, and I still occasionally ask myself that same question — “what kind of dad can I be?” But now, as a father of THREE, I think I might finally have an answer: “the best dad I can be.”
It’s not always easy. I try to keep a positive attitude, even when my RA rears its ugly head. But I also try to make sure our kids understand what daddy’s dealing with — in the hopes that it will make them more accepting of others who might be going through something similar.
It’s hard to believe that Lola will be TEN this year! I am SO grateful for the journey so far, and the perspective it has given me. This Arthritis Awareness Month, I hope that by sharing these stories of my own personal journey, others will be able to realize that they are not alone.
I’ve been blessed to meet so many inspiring people along the way who have encouraged ME to NEVER GIVE UP. I guess I just want to return the favor. 🙏♥️ #PSNeverGiveUp
#throwbackthursday #tbt #nevergiveup #arthritis #arthritisawareness #RAwarrior
