My toughest one yet...

That's right folks...this is by far the toughest blog I've ever had to write. A lot of you know a lot about me. But some of you may not know a lot about my family.

For this blog. I want to talk about my Father. Why you ask? Well, because I was informed that my Father has less than two weeks to live. I came back from California on such a high...that it was only this news that has managed to sober me up since my return. I am leaving on Saturday to Las Vegas to say my final goodbye.

Before I go further with this blog though...there is someone that I have to thank. Her name is Laurel. Not only is she an amazing person but she has managed to help me so much in my time of need. Let's just say that she makes miracles happen. So Laurel, I want you to know that I appreciate all that you have done for me. You have managed to fly into my life like an angel and have truly blessed me with your kindness, compassion and goodwill. I am forever in your debt...

Let me tell you about my Dad, as he has lived such an incredible life. He started his life in Chicago, Illinois and graduated with a Business degree from DePaul University then on to get his Juris Doctorate in Law at Northwestern University. He enlisted into the army shortly afterwards where he worked as an Attorney for the Military Courts. After being honorably discharged, he started work on the little KeFauver Committee, investigating corrupt judges and politicians and their relations with the mafia. It was at this time that my Dad moved to Indiana where he founded the Indiana Bar Association and served as President for over four years.

He met and married my Mother then moved to Saulsalito, California where he began work for the Department of Agriculture and received his training for personal protection with the Secret Service. He was assigned to Earl Butz, Secretary of Agriculture as his personal Chief of Security and lead investigator of internal affairs. After serving for the Dept. of Agriculture, he was assigned the unique task of personal protection for President Nixon for the thirteen western regional states. Meaning, whenever President Nixon traveled to the thirteen western regional states it was my Father and his security team that provided the Secret Service protection for them. It was a position that truly defined his life.

My Dad's favorite piece of memorabilia? An autographed 8x10 framed picture from President Nixon saying "My sincerest thanks for your years of dedicated service and congratulations on the upcoming birth of your son Jake". Apparently, while sitting on Air Force One...my Dad told the President that he was taking time off to be at home for my birth and that he had already named me after his Father.

After his service for the Secret Service...my Dad took up a nice retirement job with the FBI's Gaming Control Board in Las Vegas. Being in charge of investigating and licensing major hotel/casinos. It was my Dad that gave a lot of people their start in the business. In fact there were two young guys that he was assigned to for licensing and ended up becoming good friends with them. Those two? Lorenzo and Frank Fertitas...the owners of numerous casinos in Las Vegas...not to mention the owners of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

My Dad of course couldn't hang em' up once retired. He took a job for the Security Team at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino where he worked for eight years. He also carried his trusty sidearm with him during his entire life...never once leaving home without it. (All retired FBI have the right to carry a concealed weapon even after retirement). It was this show of bravado that I always looked at my Dad as a "Man's man".

I am sad to see my hero go. I am sad that I always had to share him with his lifelong passion of Law Enforcement. I am sad that he wasn't able to get to know my daughter as much as he would of liked. I am sad that I have to see him and say goodbye...knowing that it's going to be the last time I'm ever going to see him again.

So that's it folks. If I haven't returned your e-mails or comments in the last couple of days...it's because of this. I hope you all understand. I'm off to spend some time with my hero. My Dad.

Much Love,

Jake