“Do You Have a SEC?"

 

It is a question that all of us have been asked at one time or another in our busy lives.  We all have seconds that become minutes, then hour’s etc. that make up our daily lives.  For me however, “do you have a SEC?’ has a very different and special meaning.  My SEC is my Dad, Stephen Earl Cunningham.

My Dad was a loving, giving and passionate man who loved his wife, my Mom Gerry with all of his heart and soul.  He loved his children, my brother Tim and I equally and with all of his being, there were no favorites.  We were blessed that we had a Dad who always had time for us, whether I was 4, sitting with Dad eating cheese and ketchup sandwiches on the back porch of Huron Ave or 24 and sitting on the beach in Westport watching the sunset, eating subs with Dad and discussing my pending move to Canada to begin a new life, he always made the time for us.

Dad was also passionate about his work, it was who he was and he took great pride in doing his best.  He had a strong work ethic and lots of integrity which I have always admired.  This past year he questioned if he put too much effort into his work and not enough time into the family when we were younger. I never felt that was the case, then or now.  When I turned 16, Mom planned a surprise party for me; unfortunately Dad had to be away on a business trip at that time. I came home to find a house full of my friends ready to share in my big day, when suddenly one more guest came out of hiding; my Dad had flown home for the night so he could be there for my party.  That was not the action of a man who put work before his family.

All of us have been touched and blessed by having my Dad in our lives, whether it was as
a co-worker, friend or family member.  To Dad we were all important to him each and every day of his life.  Now I won’t lie that I don’t feel cheated that my time with my Dad has been cut way too short by this awful disease.  It has tried to take away his dignity and courage at every turn, but in his own quiet way, Dad has continued to hold his head high and show more courage than I could ever hope to have.

So the next time someone asks you if you “have a SEC?’ stop and remember the SEC that touched all of us in his own special way and then you will honestly be able to say, “Yes I have a SEC and he is and always will be with me!”

 

By:   Kristy Abelle
         Daughter of Stephen Earl Cunningham
         March 29, 2007