I Miss Him

self | 04/21/2006 | Pippin

[Pippin]

He may have not been the “perfect dad”, but he is mine and I miss him

He was not always there in my childhood, but when he was, he was my hero.

And I miss him.

We “lost” him in the mid ‘80s, when I say “lost”, I mean not physically, but, in a more “spiritual and emotional way”

I remember many things that he did or said that made me mad or was annoying then

But, man, what I wouldn’t give to have those days back!

I remember how he would mangle Christmas carols every year, changing to the most ridiculous lyrics. But I miss that now.

I remember when I was old enough to vote for the first time, he was a BIG Republican and I would have arguments with him about politics.

As a teenager, I was rebellious and registered as a Democrat just to annoy him.

He’d merely tell me about how his vote would cancel out mine.

At least it got him to start voting again, which he had quit doing since Nixon lost the election of 1960.

But he sure voted for Reagan because I went for Carter in 1980.

I miss that!

By the time I had realized my leanings were more for the right and re-registered as a Republican, he was already loosing his memory and ability for rational thought.

I was standing at a bus stop in downtown Baltimore, on my way home from work the other day when I got to thinking about him. It was a few days after my oldest Niece’s wedding. How proud and excited he would have been at the marriage of his oldest Granddaughter. And how much he would enjoy his first Great Grandchild, my brother’s oldest son’s daughter, and how he would have been excited by the changes to our family.

I often wonder how he would react to all that is going on in today’s world; I wonder what he would think of President Bush and the War on Terror and the Lefts hatred of this good man.

I wonder would he be for or against the war in Iraq and would he want Rumsfeld to resign.

What would he think of Condoleeza Rice as Secretary of State?

I miss the discussions we would have had and the opportunity to talk to him about 09/11/01.

which to this day he does not know even happen.

maybe there is something to be said about not knowing or not even being told about a significant event,

but I bet, had he been aware of everything, he would’ve called for Osama’s head, LOL!

I think it is unfair for him to miss all this and the things going on in his own family

I think it is unfair that I have no one to discuss my fears

as well as my admiration for the president and his cabinet.

To vote as a Republican by his side, I would have been so happy and he would have been so glad I saw the light.

[Pippin]

He may not be perfect, but I love him and I miss him!

He may be physically with us, but, as far as his memory and personality goes, he's gone.

Please pray for him and my mother.

[texianyankee]

Thanks for posting.

[Pippin]

I was trying to get thid thread moved to a more appropriate location, I don't believe ot should be in News/Activism.

[Pippin]

I promise no weird stuff!

[Full Court]

What a wonderful tribute to your dad.

[Pippin]

Thanks!

[Liberty Valance]

Very thoughtful. Prayers for your dad and mom.

[Pippin]

Thank You!

[Pippin]

Thank you!

[yellowdoghunter]

Does your father have alzheimers or some other mental disease? I hope I am not being to forward or anything in asking.

You and your family are in my prayers.

[Emmett McCarthy]

My relationship with my Dad had a lot in common with this account, including my finally seeing the light. He also has Alzheimer's at this point, but still has some very good days and I'm happy to get a chance to talk with him at those times. The comfort is that it doesn't seem to be hard on him. I thank God every day that my Mom is still able, willing and determined to take care of him - just as she has all of her children and grandchildren for 60 years.

[flada]

Beautifully written.

[Corin Stormhands]

Thanks for the ping Pippin. Prayers for you and your family.

My dad died when I was a Jr. in college. I still miss him too.

[snugs]

Prayers for you and your mum during this difficult and sad time, have been there with my mum as you know and my grandmother before that.

It is so sad to see something as with my mother who was always active and fit deminish like she did. And with my grandmother although her physical health had been going for many years was always mentally alert until a series of mini strokes bought on dementia.

Freep or ping me whenever you need someone to listen to you.

[humblegunner]

Thanks for posting that.

I think I'll call my Dad today.

[Mrs. Darla Ruth Schwerin]

"He’d merely tell me about how his vote would cancel out mine."

This is what good dad's say in order to get their children thinking. Grandpa's are known for saying these things, too...

[HOTTIEBOY]

>>>>I think I'll call my Dad today.<<<<<<

I call my Dad all the time. Not on the phone, though. I just close my eyes and start talking. He hears me.

[HairOfTheDog]

I think it is unfair that I have no one to discuss my fears

I still miss my mom too... She died before she could meet my husband.

Your post is poignant, it's a very different kind of grieving to lose the person you love even without death.

(((((((Pippin))))))))

[JustAmy]

Beautiful, Pippin.

Thank you for sharing this.

(((((((( Pippin ))))))))

[Pippin]

Thanks, he developed Alzheimers-like symptoms shortly after his accident in 1985.

now he's completely dependant on someone else (mostly my mother) for every day care. they are both 73 going to be 74 this year.