I'm slowly losing my dad

I am writing today to tell people about my father.  He was in Vietnam and did several tours, I respect my dad for doing what he had to do.  I also want to tell anyone and everyone about him who will listen.  My dad was not a "hero" he didn't do anything above and beyond any other person who went, but he is slowly losing his life because of what he chose to do.  You see I am 27 years old and my dad is 63, for as long as I have known my father he has had no teeth this was a result of an infection he got during Vietnam.  My father has had several bouts with Cancer and other health issues.  Last year my dad had surgery to remove part of his nose and ear because of Agent Orange (don't know if I spelled it right but...)  So here is my father my sons grandfather disfigured because of some chemical.  My boys, ages 7,6 & 4, didn't understand this and so they were scared of him.  Now just several months later a tumor appears on his tonge like cauliflower.  Smaller than a dime in October, now as of January 25th he will be having 1/4 of his tongue removed because it grew to the size of a half dollar. Not to mention the lymphnodes being removed from his neck.  Once again it's cancer, my dad has had so many tumors on his face, nose and body.  And do you know what I am living with knowing that in short he will be gone before my boys are grown men.  It is very sad he has several granddaughters he will never see walk down the aisle.  AND THERE are still people out there who are turning there cheek and not supporting what all of the service men & women do for our country.  It makes my heart hurt.  I am not the only child out here who has lost or is losing a parent as a result.  I however am a child who is willing to stand up and say THANK YOU, not just to my dad but to all of you.  I am proud to have you as a father and I am proud to have all the others fighting for my country.  If you live in our country you should really consider several things you have: Freedom and Family and I am not going to leave out the most important piece of our countrys foundations God.  If you see a veteran tell them thank you it doesn't matter what war was fought just that they were willing to give their life for us and our country. 

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