In LA, we created books about our heroes with Peg Gignoux out of paper, paint, and imagination! Here’s my hero story! Enjoy!

My Hero

Timothy John Cunneen

My hero is one of the few people I can trust with all of my personal information. He’s always there for me when I need him. Give up? My hero is my dad. His name is Tim Cunneen. He is 44 years old and was born on October 14, 1966. Dad was born in Putnam, Connecticut but currently lives in Durham, North Carolina. Dad lives with his wife, Mary Anne and his two daughters, my sister Katie and me. We have a dog named Jackson. My dad now works at Smith Breeden. Read on to find out why this man is my hero.

My dad lived in Danielson, Connecticut all of his life. The hospital in Putnam was the closest hospital to my dad. He went to public school and had to walk over this huge hill to get there each day. For pets, my dad and his sisters had guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. Here’s a funny story about my Aunt Sandy, who is my dad’s sister. My aunt hugged her guinea pig so hard, she killed it! When my dad was a kid he liked to play basketball, soccer, and baseball. His favorite food was cheese sandwiches and he hated liver, as he has all of his life.

My dad moved to a different house in the same town when he was 12. In his free time my dad focused on basketball because he played on the school team. His favorite food was lobster and least favorite food…. still liver! Every Friday during the winter, my dad and his dad went over to their neighbor’s house to swim in his indoor pool. My dad got his first car when he was sixteen. It was a 1966 yellow Pontiac Catalina Convertible. My dad met my mom at work and they fell in love.

One reason that my dad is a hero to me is that he’s generous. We both love Duke and have season tickets to the Men’s Basketball games. He is generous with his money because those tickets are pretty expensive, especially when you add the food and sometimes a milkshake! Also, my dad is generous with his time. Most basketball games take about two hours and there’s still commute time. He also spends time with me during the weekends and the weekdays. Also, my dad always finds time for me. Even if he has something planned, he’ll still hang out with me. And that’s why my dad is the most unselfish person I know.

My dad is a hero because he’s encouraging. He always wants me to do my best in school and sports. When I played soccer, he was always at my games. Now, at swim meets, my dad gives me a big hug when I drop time. When my report card comes, he first asks me if I’ve tried my hardest. If I tell him yes, then he isn’t mad if I get bad grades. When I do get good grades, he tells me he’s very proud of me and to keep up the good work. My dad likes to encourage me and that means a lot to me.

My dad is a hero because he’s caring. If someone is being rude to me, he’ll stop and listen. When I’m having a bad day, he’ll give me some space and tell me to go outside and chill or to calm down first and then he’ll talk to me. After our talks,  I always feel much better. When I’m hurt, he’ll give me a hand and help me back up. That’s how my dad shows me he cares.

My dad has had a huge impact on my life. He’s taught me to be kind and to take what life gives me and twist it until I’m satisfied. My dad has also taught me to obey rules and never, ever cheer for UNC! We’re Blue Devils for life. So, that’s why my dad is my hero. He has taught me so much and he is encouraging, caring, and generous. One day, I hope to grow up to be just like him.