What comes to mind when you think of ~

[Guest1]

Dad?!

With Father's Day literally around the corner, I've been thinking a lot about my Daddy....I sure do miss him.....We didn't have a very good relationship until I became an adult - but I'd like to think we more than made up for lost time!

My favorite memories with my Dad usually have something to do with his boat!! We spent countless hours on the water....I loved it!!! When he got sick, he missed fishing so much....we took him over to GW's parents house - they lived on a 75 acres lake - wheeled him down to the dock & let him fish! He didn't have the strength to really go at it like he used to, but just seeing his face light up when he'd get a nibble was spectacular!!

Seeing Kat so into NASCAR makes my Dad seem closer too! He was a major NASCAR freak! His favorite driver was Mark Martin....although he liked DJ too ~ as long as it was a Ford, my dad didn't mind! We had plans to go to the Brickyard 500 --- he passed away sooner than we had expected & we never made it.....Keep pulling for those Ford men Kat!!

Sorry - waxing nostalgic now!

So - what are your memories of your Dad or what do you think of when you think of Fathers?!?!

[Guest1]

addendum.....

I realize that not everyone has warm fuzzies when they think of their Dad....
From the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry....
I can kindda understand - you'll never see me starting a "Mom" thread for that reason!

I'm having a hard timedealing with my father's death right now for some reason - this is very cathartic for me....
Certainly not intended to hurt anyone or stir up hard feelings.....

[sunshine]

My dad? I'm fortunate to still have him, but here are my favorite memories.

I remember taking my dad to show and tell when I was in kindergarten. He only has one hand, and I'd take him and his prosthesis in to show the other kids. Then I'd have him take off his prosthesis (he only wore it for show and tell anyway). He'd then procede to crush black walnuts with his bare hand - the one he had left, to demonstrate how strong his remaining hand had become to compensate. He was such a good sport about it all.

I remember helping my dad feed the hogs- tossing ear corn from a wagon. As we started back across the lot, a boar decided to attack and dad had me run for the fence. When we got there dad picked me up by the seat of my pants and tossed me over the 6 foot board fence, then scrambled up himself. The boar left holes in dad's shoe where he attacked.

I remember curling up on dad's lap and having him teach me to tell time, he taught me my alphabet, how to tie my shoes!, and even taught me to ride a bike when I was 3 years old.

I remember how much my dad hated my fiancee', and yet when we broke up, dad never once said "I told you so" He held me tight and said "I'm so sorry you are hurting."

I remember my dad taking my boys for rides on the tractor.

I remember how frightened of hospitals my dad was, and yet when I was close to death, I woke up from surgery and the first face I saw was my dad- with his head in his hand, praying that I'd be spared.

I remember how, after he had his stroke - he was afraid. And how he overcame his fears.

I remember how tenderly he held my newborn daughter. He was certain she'd break!

Several years ago, I nominated my dad for Father of the Year and he won. He wins EVERY year in my book.

[guest2]

Great thread Deb!

I'm so blessed to still have my father in my life. My Dad was busy building his career when I was growing up and was not around much. I was lucky to actually see him a couple of times a week. Therefore, any time that we had when my Dad was not distracted by his work, social obligations, meetings, etc. were precious to me. My favorite memories of growing up with him were when we went camping. There were no phones, no TV's, etc. and we got Dad all to ourselves.

Now that I'm grown up with children of my own, my Dad has been trying to make up for lost time by spending as much time as he can with my kids. We see him about twice a year, but will be seeing him more now that he is retiring and will be at his lake home in Montana during the warmer months. I just got back from spending a week with him and my mother and we had such a great time visiting, going to the movies and working ont heir new home.

[Julia Kimber]

Thank God I still have my dad, he's 80 this month. I have lots of fond memories from my childhood, the way he'd take us kids to buy us a small treat on a Saturday, usually some small toy. Then as I got older he'd buy me records. But mainly his just being there, playing with us or teaching us things, making us laugh. Saving a bit each week from his small wages so we could go on a family holiday for a couple of weeks. So many happy memories!
Julia

[PurpleButterfly]

Debbie. I understand totally how you are feeling. My father died 1yr 3 mos ago to the day. This is my 2nd fathers day without him. I miss watching my son talk with him on the phone about football, Nascar, drag racing.

[Darlene]

When I think of my dad I picture him always working. Having 5 kids and a wife he had to.
I do remember him whistling & listening to polka or baseball when he was cleaning the basement on those rare times off.
Sadly I lost him to a heart attack at age 41, I was the oldest at 14.
Wished he spent some money on his health instead of ignoring the signs. I would have rather go hungry than not have him in my life anymore.