A Daughter’s Gratitude

I am often asked how I remain so calm, positive, and grateful while living beside such uncertainty. Without a doubt, one of the main reasons is my father.

Harv MacArthur woke up each day to a household of nine people. Not only did he serve his own family, but as Executive Director of the Colchester-East Hants Children’s Aid Society, he also served families in need.

My father taught us that conflict is inevitable, and combat is optional, right, my dear brothers?

Our lives, like all families, had moments of celebration, moments of challenge, and moments of the mundane. It is easy to show up for celebrations. It is also possible to draw on our reserves when others face challenges. But showing up for the everyday moments and needs of a family takes commitment, purpose, and love.

Harv MacArthur always showed up.

As a daughter growing up in the 60s and 70s, I had the greatest gift possible: my father believed in me. He believed in me as a girl who could do whatever she put her mind to.

When I go for my quarterly MRI and CT scans, I call to mind both my mother and father. If my father walked with me today, I know he would cheer me on. He would be proud that I have not let cancer take hold of my life. He taught us to live with uncertainty, grace, hope, faith, and love.

Today, I honour my father.

I also honour my husband, who lives his vows each day, through sickness and in health. And I honour my son, who models the love and care of his father and grandfathers to his own son.

Please take a moment today to thank a man in your life who showed up as a father to you.

Their legacy lives within us and provides a light on this path we call life.