A convo with my father years ago;
"Dad...what did you see there? Was it pretty kick-ass?"
- Watch your language son. Most of the time it was pretty boring. The rest of the time it was so intense that I didn't know if I would see another minute. All I knew is I had to survive and get my friends through it...that was the only thought in my head.
"What do you remember most about being over there."
- I remember the landscape. I remember the flowers and how beautiful the countryside was. The people...I remember the people. They are very generous and good folks. Always smiling. I could have done without the pungent mold smell all the time, but that's nothing.
"Really? That's kinda' odd hearing that...considering what was going on over there at the time."
- Son, you can dwell on the horrors of life, or you can dwell on the good things in life...I prefer to dwell on the good. There was a lifetime of bad over there. I would like to leave it there...that's all.
"I guess that's why you are still pretty level headed. That makes sense pops."
- Perspective...that's all it is. Don't dwell on things you can't change. Change the things you can. All I ask is that people do not forget....yeah, they just can't forget because it will happen all over again if they do. Don't call me pops...my name is Dad...don't forget it.
"So...when you came back...how did you feel?"
- I was happy to come home. I didn't care if people didn't like me. I can't expect them to understand...they were not there. I forgave them for I was a warrior and if I could handle staring the reaper man in the face daily...well, I figured a few un-informed people were not worth getting all upset about...after all, freedom to express yourself and pursue your opinion and dreams was what I was defending...it's all good. Actually...I was glad they were practicing the freedom THAT I GAVE THEM. It was my honor to give such an awesome gift to so many. You just can't get all mad about it. It won't change a darned thing.
"What changed when you came home. Did you feel different?"
- Oh yeah. I saw that I took what we have here for granted. This is a great country and we enjoy the best this world has to offer. Hmmm....I have more compassion for people and life....yeah life is the most precious gift. Sometimes I feel guilty I survived when some of my friends didn't. That hurt sometimes...but hey, what else can you do but honor that memory by living a good life and honor that by being good to people.
"What else bothered you about coming home?"
- Heh, I think it was the fact that you were 3, almost 4, years old and I missed those years with you. You didn't know who I was. You would stand between me and your mother for the first few weeks and tell me; "You're a bad man. Don't make my mommy cry anymore." That was heartbreaking.
"Sorry dad, but you know the story. All I knew about you was that once every couple of weeks Mom would get a package from a strange man I didn't really know. Sometimes it was the reel to reel tapes I would listen to with her. As she listened she would start to cry. All I knew was some man would make my mom cry with every letter, or every audio tape. I didn't like that. I didn't realize that it was tears of pride, joy and worry."
- It's ok pal...I got used to you jumping between us in the bed and telling me not to touch your mother. Thank you son. I knew that my little man was taking care of his mother while I was away. You done good.
"Thanks Dad...but you are a great man and a great father. I'll never be able to live up to you. You are bigger than life...if I even become half the man you are then I figure I've done good."
- I don't know about that. I don't feel like I was a great dad sometimes, but thanks for thinking so.
"Dad...you are a great man. I know this. Everyone knows this. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I want you to know that I'm going to do my best to make your proud. Thanks again dad. I love you."
- Man son...I love you too.
"Dad, I know you do...You have proven it more than most fathers can. I want to thank you....for everything."
bikes and buddies
18 hours ago
11 comments:
I want to thank your dad also, for the sacrifice he made for us (our country) and his family. This struck a cord in my heart... talking about your dad an all.
I was never one to hold back as far as talking about things with my dad, but this just reminds me how much I really miss him and treasure his memory.
We are both very blessed people, Dave, to have had parents who truly loved and cared for us.
Thanks for the reminder.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Thanks for the reminder, my friend.
God bless your father and all the others who have stood for our country.
thank you, to all that have represented, fought, won and lost,... thank you.
Great tribute to your dad. I add my thanks to him for his service to our country.
Thanks for the post. I am blessed to still have my dad with us. He is a WWII veteran and Purple Heart recipient. Taking him to a Memorial service on Monday. For any vet reading this - "Thank you for my freedom."
Thank you to All Vet's. Took my dad near 50 yrs to talk about the war.
sniffle..tear...my dad still doesn't talk about his time in Vietnam. He's a humble man and felt he was just doing his duty, not story worthy. Thanks to all the dad's and vets who protect us.
Of the veterans I've met over the years, all of them, I think, said about the same thing "I was just doing what I had to do and I was lucky to make it home alive. The guys that didn't make it home alive, those guys were the heroes." God bless all who serve or served with honor.
Heart felt and heart warming for your Dad. A proud father he must be to have a young'n like you.
Tell your Dad thanks.
Heros... all of them... and your Dad too! Beautifully written and will come back to read this over and over again. Thank You!
I wasn't born in the US and I was not here during that time but one thing I never understood is why so many here were against the guys fighting over there. They were young and all are heroes for going through that war in my view. Great tribute to dad, tell him I said thanks, it's because of heroes like him that I come to this beautiful land of the free. I'm now a proud US citizen, Thanks
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