My Father: The Person I Admire Most

Over time, there have been several people who have influenced various aspects of my life, based on their personal characteristics, accomplishments, and values. I have been privileged to have had numerous teachers and professors who I respect for their patience and intelligence. There are artists that have inspired me by their natural talents and original creativity. I value many political leaders, who have inspired me by their contributions to society, and their ability to change our futures. Of all the people I have encountered in my life, the person I admire most is my father. As the youngest girl in my family, I always considered myself to be “Daddy's little girl.” Growing up it always made
After their first conversation, they immediately clicked. Unfortunately, my grandfather did not approve of their relationship, and attempted to keep them apart. He is from the Dominican Republic, and believed an interracial relationship would be confusing and stressful for any children they might plan to have in the future. My parents did not let my grandfather's opinion keep them from one another. He eventually came around, and my parents were married in March of 1972. Year after year my family has been blessed. Our strength as a family, and the strength of my father was tested in March of 2002. My father suffered from an aortic aneurysm. The blood clot at the base of his brain was nearly the size of a golf ball. I had just recently moved to Houston, and immediately rushed home to Dallas. When I arrived, my my had just come out of surgery to relieve the pressure off of his brain. The doctors performed some sort of coiling procedure to release the blood in the clot and prevent it from returning to that destination. The surgery was successful, but during the process my father suffered from a stroke. He lost most of his physical, and linguistic abilities. Knowing what a strong determined person my father was, and how great his great faith and positive outlook on life were, I knew he would not let his disabilities hold him back. As usual, my father proved me right. His physical and speech therapists