Cancer survivor from brain tumor: Caregiver Trisha Hodges: A Husband – A Father – A Hero
In Webster’s Dictionary the word hero is defined as “a person who is remembered and honored for his courageous life and deeds; one who shows great courage.” When I read those words … it is the description of Ted Hodges, my husband and father of our only child, a son. It is well known that people change when told, “It’s cancer.” But for Ted, that “change” did not come: He was already the changed man. Even before the doctor stated the diagnosis, Ted’s life had made a father proud, a mother brag, and a community turn and ask his opinion. The guy in white. Always the phantom “fixer.” A vehicle driving off in the sunset with a voice from the crowd asking, “Who fixed that?” The man who believes if you can’t solve the problem, manage it. A father who is a role model to our son in every way. This man, even in dealing with brain cancer, has shown our world that there are two ways of meeting difficulties: “You alter the difficulties or you alter yourself to meet them.” He has done both. Ted’s life cards have been laid out a little clearer than most. And, by golly, he has played them as though he could see the person’s hand next to him. A poker face? No, he has known that if he clenches his fist, no one can place anything in his hand, nor can he pick up anything. He has taken a simple view of living: keep your eyes open and get on with it, making the Lord your pilot. He has taken the co-pilot’s seat. There is no cape and no “S” plastered to his chest. No medal of honor pinned to his lapel. He’s not in Who’s Who nor would his name be called to take a bow for marking a place in history. His high school annual states – Ted Hodges: quarterback, Beta Club, Junior class president, baseball all-star, “Most Likely to Succeed” … and he has.