Ever since my dad’s passing in 2017, Father’s Day has been very bittersweet. I think of Dad strumming his guitar, singing “Blackbird”; I hear the steady honing and growling of his woodshop tools, a wonderful and therapeutic sound.

Dad was a hard-headed man, but had a soft heart for his girls and would do anything to help us. Throughout my epilepsy struggle, Dad urged me repeatedly to seek new opinions; he read about local neurologists with great reputations and gave me their names. He drove me crazy sometimes, and I could only fully appreciate his concern after becoming a parent myself.

My father didn’t live to see me healed of my seizures. I only wish now that I’d recognized the depth of his love and care. I know that if he were still with us, he’d be cheering me on, sharing the joy of my freedom and healing.