Spotlight: Kam Heather

I've decided to spend some time writing about inspirational people in my life- a Spotlight Series on people who make me a better person.  I am kicking off the series with a man who I owe my life to, literally.  My dad!

Name: Kam Heather

Age: 59

What he does:  Since retiring, Kam has become a fitness guru/ ninja of sorts.  P90X, Insanity, and Tap Out can't hold him down!  He taught spin classes at the YMCA and swims quite frequently.  In his spare time he plans out elaborate trips and has had some amazing travel experiences around the world.  Just this past Sunday he left for Africa for 4 months to bike from Sudan to Capetown!

Why I admire him:  My dad is one of the best examples of life success stories I can think of.  Born in Hong Kong, at the young age of 2 his parents died and he grew up in 2 different orphanages.  At the age of 10 he raised his hand when asked who wanted to go to Canada.  It took 4 long years for the adoption to go through- 4 years of diminishing hope.  Finally at the age of 14 he moved to Canada to join the Heather family (ever wonder why a Chinese-Jamaican girl has such a weird last name that doesn't seem to match?).  Unfortunately the Heather family didn't work out for him and a few years later he found himself at the Ingham residence (I consider the Inghams my family on my dad's side).

Growing up as a teen in a completely Caucasian and English speaking environment as the only Chinese boy must have been difficult.  But no matter the obstacles, my dad became successful in high school and became a member of many sports teams and even the student council.  He went on to be accepted into the competitive and prestigious Commerce Program at Queen's University (GO QUEEN'S!) and payed his own way through school.

As an adult, he didn't find much joy in being an accountant and auditor, so he took initiative to go for something more appealing.  After a lot of work, he became a trainer for Revenue Canada and trained people in everything they needed to know about taxes.  He traveled all over Canada.  Anyone who can make taxes easy (and almost entertaining) to learn definitely deserves some credit!  He worked hard to make his presentations clear and accessible (I know- he would make my brother and I sit through his presentations as he practiced!)

When my mom passed away in March 2010, I think my family saw this as a big wake up call.  We took this opportunity to really focus on the important things in life.  I think for my dad that meant focusing on himself as a person and on our family.  Since then my dad has become more self-aware, more approachable, and more happy in his own skin.  Some might even say he can be philosophical at times!  Not only is he a better person, but he is funny too!  Well, funny if you have a cheesy sense of humour like me (I see where I get it from now).

My dad and I didn't always get along.  We've had our fair share of rough patches, but we have both moved past that, grown as human beings, and we are closer than ever.  I am so proud of him for everything that he has accomplished and for the wonderful man that he has become.  I hope that when I am his age I have the same confidence, self-awareness, and grace that he does (and that I'm as fit and get to travel as much as he does too!)  When I am faced with adversity, I think of everything that he has done, and I know that I can do it.

If I could describe my dad in only a few words: smart, funny, hard-worker, caring, and cockroach ('cause you can't take him down!)

Love you dad!