Bob...

Bryan and Bob in Hawaii way back when...

Bryan's dad, Bob, is a regular reader of my blog. Actually he's more than just a reader; he's an "advisor". He lets me know when he wants more of the girls and less posts about "stuff", when he thinks it sounds like I'm (in his words) "shilling". And if, during one of our visits, I recount a story that he particularly likes, he'll tell me I should "stick it on the blog".

Bob is a pretty crazy character. He joined the Army as a teenager and did three tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. After he returned from Vietnam, he became a test pilot at Bell Helicopter while earning an engineering degree -- all with three young sons at home. Later, as an engineer at Bell, he invented all sorts of cool stuff (like new night vision technology) and was awarded several patents. He's super-smart and super-fierce. He's also grumpy as hell (picture a really grumpy Dick Cheney). He and I are pretty much polar opposites in, well...pretty much every way. Needless to say, we've had our challenges.

So the fact that he really cares about this little space -- that he's into it -- is surprising... and pretty sweet. Talking to him about the blog (+ watching how much he loves the girlies) has bonded us, softening me toward Bob as I get glimpses of his other side.

I've also had the chance to watch him bravely (and graceful) battle the cancer that's invaded his body over the past year. Last week he chose to go "all-in" and have an incredibly intense surgery to remove his bladder, prostate and several lymph nodes. It was incredibly risky, and (thankfully) it went well, which was huge.

The day after the surgery though, he had a stroke, which affected his vision. But, as with most other challenges he faces, he's fighting back, hard, and making progress. A couple of days ago, they moved him from the ICU to a normal room, and he's giving the nurses a run for their money...he's the talk of the floor.

Bob -- we may be different, but I want to be fierce, just like you. Just sayin.