This is a picture of a long-time friend who is more like the sister I never had with her dad, who I call my adopted father. Kandy and I have known each other since college. When she decided to buy a little two-bedroom house with a HUGE yard, I moved in with her. We have traveled to Europe, Williamsburg, Hawaii and all over Iowa with her parents. On extended vacations like that, you get to know each other pretty well and are either the best of friends at the end of the trip, or want to strangle each other! Fortunately for us, we found we were more like family! Kandy and I have shared more than just trips, we have been there for each other in all of life's ups and downs. When her parents decided to sell their home and move in with Kandy (in a bigger house!), I came along, too! It's nice to feel like a part of a family.
You can tell from the picture, Leland loves his #1 daughter very much, as Kandy loves him very much! Is love always easy? No, as you can see, Leland is in the hospital. He has numerous health issues. It's so hard to see your parents age. I went through some of the same things with my parents. There are things you just can't change, can't make better, but you can be there. And at this point in life, being there is what counts. I think this photo is a keeper. It tells of a father and daughter's love that started long before the day Kandy was born and he got to hold her in his arms; to today, as Kandy now holds him, and will forever in her heart.
