Dad was motivation for entering the challenge

What is the one thing that you cannot change about yourself? Your family history. As I have said before, my family history is not great. Hypertension, diabetes, strokes are on both sides of the family.

On Tuesday, March 29, that family history reared its ugly head again. My father passed away from a heart attack. He was 73 years old. For years we have been trying to get him to change some of his ways and begin to become healthier. He always talked about having to get healthier, but his chronic diseases continued. Although he had multiple medical problems, the ending was unexpected. He died of a massive heart attack at his home in Minnesota. I always knew that this day was coming, but never expected it so soon.

Seeing my dad and his worsening medical conditions was part of the motivation to enter the CNN Fit Nation Challenge. I saw how his weight, heart problems and diabetes affected his lifestyle and his ability and willingness to be more active. I knew that if I continued on the same path I was looking at what my life would be like in 25-30 years.

Although I don’t want to end up like my dad was physically, I want to be exactly like him as a man. He was hard working, loved by everyone, always willing to help others, a great father and excellent grandfather to my children. Besides his regular full time job, he dedicated over 40 years to officiating sports- softball, volleyball, basketball and flag football. He coached me and my brothers for years of basketball, soccer and baseball. He was an athlete in his younger days and continued to play softball for many of his adult years. He spent most of his free time devoted to sports and fair play.

In the comments of my CNN bio, he had words of encouragement and said that maybe I could show him some of my exercises. Unfortunately, I did not get an opportunity to do that. I will miss my father dearly, but value the time that we had together. Although he did not set a good example from a health and fitness standpoint, he set a great example on how to be a man. Thanks Dad.