thegreekone 0 #51 June 19, 2006 Michael, I appreciate you forging through the disappointment and pain to post this. I stopped to see my old man last night, after spending literally all day in the car and the dinner lasted about 8 minutes before the doorbell rang and he then dragged two friends of his past me and into the family room. I know, no big whoop, right? I am just being selfish, it's his day, etc. It was the night before he leaves to go to Greece for 3 months and he called me a zillion times to MAKE SURE I come over and not forget about him. Truth be told I was more shocked than angry.....it's been going on my whole life. It's all good though, I will probabaly only get a few calls a week saying how much he misses me. He blew it for himself as well as for me and my sister. He never could put himself or his family first, what makes me think he could start now!? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #52 June 19, 2006 I feel ya man. I really do. I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mailin 0 #53 June 19, 2006 Something good about my dad? ha! My dad can rot as far as I'm concerned, the only good thing is that he lives far enough away for my family to forget he exists. People marvel how I turned out so normal when I had such a drunk abuser like my dad... and his mom actually asked me when my daughter is going to see him. She won't even know he exists. My father in law on the other hand, love him to pieces. We had some professional pictures taken of my daughter and had a montage made for him - he loves it Jen PS. Ya, probably not what you were looking for huh?Arianna Frances Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #54 June 19, 2006 QuoteMy father in law on the other hand, love him to pieces. We had some professional pictures taken of my daughter and had a montage made for him - he loves it Awesome! My F-in-law is also a very fine man. More of a dad to me than my own sperm-donor. I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JENNR8R 0 #55 June 19, 2006 It is my sincere desire that the Dads who read this thread will realize just how much influence [good or bad] that they have in their children's lives.What do you call a beautiful, sunny day that comes after two cloudy, rainy ones? -- Monday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darius11 12 #56 June 19, 2006 I have nothing but respect for the person my dad is. He has never backed down from any one and always did the right thing, even when it was not the right thing for him and his family. He is the only guy I have seen refuse more then a million dollars just because of his beliefs. When I was a kid I thought that was a mistake, but now I have nothing but respect for what he did that day and everyday of his life. He has always stayed true. Even though he was not around much (work, war, and so on) when I think of what a man is supposed to be I think of my father.I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." - Kurt Cobain Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lastchance 0 #57 June 19, 2006 I'm 46 years old and my Dad turned 69 in March. If when I'm his age I am as well respected and liked as he is I will feel as though I've accomplished all that I need to in my life. I love him with all my heart. For his birthday this year my wife and I gave him a tandem skydive. Do to the weather we have had to postpone the jump. Untill yesterday that is. We got it done on fathers day. (fitting) He loved it and says he will try another one. Thanks dad for all you've done for me. He bought me my first parachute toy at the age of 6. The rest is history. I also want to thank Hod and Tina Sanders of Skydive Montana for making my dads birthday and fathers day so memorable. I may be getting old but I got to see all the cool bands. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weegegirl 2 #58 June 19, 2006 QuoteAttached: 3 of my 4 wonderful kids and a VERY proud dad. OMG!!!!!! Too freakin cute! You should be proud! Who wouldn't??? Especially the little one in the green... what a smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #59 June 19, 2006 thx sweetie! I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vertifly 0 #60 June 19, 2006 My dad is tough. About as hard as they come. He never considered himself a true dad after my parents split. He tried his best, worked his hardest, and was an unbelievable ethical influence for me. We don't talk much - the way kids should talk with parents i think. But I love him. He has a really good personality and now lives far away. But it is close to Z hills so I get to visit him and get some good jumps in too. So beyond all that, there yah go.... My dad lives near Zhills.!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lurch 0 #61 June 19, 2006 I got something good to say. I got separated from mine before I ever even knew he was my father. He was waiting with open arms 15 years ago when I escaped a psychotic stepfamily who valued things like poverty and violence. He took me in, gave me a bicycle and set me free and hung in there for the long haul while I got past all the resultant personality damage I'd incurred surviving it all. Never gave up on me or my future when I'd written myself off as a total loss. Set an example of success and hard work, an example it took me half a lifetime to learn how to follow. Took me to the bottom of the ocean, taught me to Scuba dive, led me through the wreck of the New York just recently at the bottom of Subic Bay. Made it look possible to go for what I really wanted. So I did. Watched me work my ass off trying to break into the skydiving world, cheering me on every step of the way. Nagged me to get my ass in gear when I needed it. Could have just thrown money at me, told me how to jack up my value instead, to make MYSELF a success. Refused to accept excuses. Tolerated my bullshit but let it be known it wasn't cool and wouldn't get me anywhere. Kept pushing me not to settle for what I could get and keep setting my sights higher. Became my role model, but made no demands except that I pull my own weight. Last time I visited the Philippines he'd said it'd be cool if I got to jump while I was there. When we got to the DZ, it no longer really existed, no jumpers around, no business but a flight school. He decided to stop at nothing to get me in the air. And was in the plane with me when I bailed out of a chartered cessna he made happen, allowing me to become the first wingsuit pilot in Philippine history. And the determination to live up to that role model no matter what it took just landed me my dream job today in a high tech lab, at long last fulfilling the potential I've always been told I had but never really believed. I do now. The headhunter agency tells me I made an impression. I start work there in three days. I love you, Dad. -BrianLive and learn... or die, and teach by example. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites micro 0 #62 June 19, 2006 lurch, your story gave me chills. don't ever forget how lucky you are to have a dad like that. fucking incredible!!! I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JENNR8R 0 #63 June 19, 2006 I'm so glad you got the job Brian. What do you call a beautiful, sunny day that comes after two cloudy, rainy ones? -- Monday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lurch 0 #64 June 19, 2006 I may be the one in the superman costume but the real hero is the one in the gray shirt.Live and learn... or die, and teach by example. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lurch 0 #65 June 20, 2006 Yeah. I never do. EVER. Live and learn... or die, and teach by example. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites steveorino 7 #66 September 20, 2006 Bumping this thread as today (Sept 20) would have been my Dad's 82nd birthday. He died of heart failure in 1985 at the age of 60. My dad was great! Not perfect but close. Perhaps because he died so long ago I have an idealized memory of him, but that is okay with me. He provided the necessities for me and my two older brothers on a very average salary. Because he was a builder we always had nice homes. Not many vacations, but we did fine (at least that was the impression I had as a child) He loved sports and thankfully so did his boys. Mainly football/track. He NEVER missed a game. I can't make that claim, but he was smarter and spaced us out, 3 boys over 9 years. I had 4 kids in 6 years. Sometimes I simply couldn't be at two places at the same time. He taught me the value of his word, other people and love for God and community. In my opinion, I'll never be as good a dad as he was, but I know my kids love me. As they grow older (27, 24, 23 & 21 years old now) they think I've gotten a lot smarter. At times I feel guilty that I had a good dad when so many kids don't. I leave them with this message. You basically have two chances for a good parent/child relationship. If your dad screwed it all up, don't blame him. learn from his mistakes and make your relationship with your children a good one. For instance, as great as I think my dad was he was raised by a generation that did not show a lot of outward affection to sons. I always knew dad loved me, even though he seldom hugged or kissed me and frankly, I don't remember a lot of "I love yous". Well, my kids still get hugs & kisses and I end every phone conversation with "I love you". steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JENNR8R 0 #67 September 20, 2006 I think you're a great Dad!!! What do you call a beautiful, sunny day that comes after two cloudy, rainy ones? -- Monday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites namgrunt 0 #68 September 20, 2006 My Father he was good even when no one was looking worked all his life his family always cane first did not give us everything we wanted showed us how out word was our bond never quit never complained thought of outhers first beleaved in god,country,honor as he was dieing with cancer was worried about mother but not himself even though he was a career army officer he was a man of peace and at peace never forgave the japs,he was on batan and corragedor but never talked about it my father was and is my hero and role model ..59 YEARS,OVERWEIGHT,BALDIND,X-GRUNT LAST MIL. JUMP VIET-NAM(QUAN-TRI) www.dzmemories.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites piisfish 137 #69 September 20, 2006 my dad looks like Steven Spielberg mixed with Sean Connery and he is an example of a hard worker. To hard to follow for me scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Tonto 1 #70 September 20, 2006 My Dad is 74. He's training for his 28th Argus Cycle tour, held in Cape Town in March. It's 70 miles long and crosses 5 mountain passes. He only started cycling when he stopped running marathons. I've never heard him raise his voice to my mom. They'll be married 50 years on 22 Dec this year. When I'm 74, I hope I'm half the man he is now. tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JENNR8R 0 #71 September 20, 2006 ...never forgave the japs, he was on batan and corragedor but never talked about it... Quote My Dad was the same. We were never allowed to buy anything that was "Made in Japan."What do you call a beautiful, sunny day that comes after two cloudy, rainy ones? -- Monday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites GogglesnTeeth 6 #72 September 20, 2006 Yesterday was his birthday!!! Happy 61st Dad!!! Goggles and Teeth "You fall like a greased safe!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Michele 1 #73 September 20, 2006 My father is my cornerstone. No matter what I do, he's right there in my corner, cheering me on (even if he thinks I'm doing something he wouldn't ever consider, like skydiving). He's smart, gave me a strong work ethic, a stubborness which has served me well, and a great understanding of human beings and how to love even when it's not easy to do. His strength and comfort have lifted me over some incredibly difficult times, and I've never doubted his love and his friendship. And as he aged and I aged, we have become the best friends possible. We can talk about anything under the sun; the mutual respect is giant, the trust untouchable, and the love enormous. My father is my best friend...while still being my father. How blessed I am. How blessed indeed. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites NWFlyer 2 #74 September 20, 2006 I know I already posted to this, but seems like a good day to add more since yesterday was my parents' 42nd wedding anniversary! I know my dad's patience had a lot to do with the longevity of their marriage. (Photo attached was taken a couple months before their wedding)"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Lindercles 0 #75 September 20, 2006 Thanks for reminding me, today is my parents' 31st anniversary. I just called my dad. 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lurch 0 #61 June 19, 2006 I got something good to say. I got separated from mine before I ever even knew he was my father. He was waiting with open arms 15 years ago when I escaped a psychotic stepfamily who valued things like poverty and violence. He took me in, gave me a bicycle and set me free and hung in there for the long haul while I got past all the resultant personality damage I'd incurred surviving it all. Never gave up on me or my future when I'd written myself off as a total loss. Set an example of success and hard work, an example it took me half a lifetime to learn how to follow. Took me to the bottom of the ocean, taught me to Scuba dive, led me through the wreck of the New York just recently at the bottom of Subic Bay. Made it look possible to go for what I really wanted. So I did. Watched me work my ass off trying to break into the skydiving world, cheering me on every step of the way. Nagged me to get my ass in gear when I needed it. Could have just thrown money at me, told me how to jack up my value instead, to make MYSELF a success. Refused to accept excuses. Tolerated my bullshit but let it be known it wasn't cool and wouldn't get me anywhere. Kept pushing me not to settle for what I could get and keep setting my sights higher. Became my role model, but made no demands except that I pull my own weight. Last time I visited the Philippines he'd said it'd be cool if I got to jump while I was there. When we got to the DZ, it no longer really existed, no jumpers around, no business but a flight school. He decided to stop at nothing to get me in the air. And was in the plane with me when I bailed out of a chartered cessna he made happen, allowing me to become the first wingsuit pilot in Philippine history. And the determination to live up to that role model no matter what it took just landed me my dream job today in a high tech lab, at long last fulfilling the potential I've always been told I had but never really believed. I do now. The headhunter agency tells me I made an impression. I start work there in three days. I love you, Dad. -BrianLive and learn... or die, and teach by example. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #62 June 19, 2006 lurch, your story gave me chills. don't ever forget how lucky you are to have a dad like that. fucking incredible!!! I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JENNR8R 0 #63 June 19, 2006 I'm so glad you got the job Brian. What do you call a beautiful, sunny day that comes after two cloudy, rainy ones? -- Monday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lurch 0 #64 June 19, 2006 I may be the one in the superman costume but the real hero is the one in the gray shirt.Live and learn... or die, and teach by example. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lurch 0 #65 June 20, 2006 Yeah. I never do. EVER. Live and learn... or die, and teach by example. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveorino 7 #66 September 20, 2006 Bumping this thread as today (Sept 20) would have been my Dad's 82nd birthday. He died of heart failure in 1985 at the age of 60. My dad was great! Not perfect but close. Perhaps because he died so long ago I have an idealized memory of him, but that is okay with me. He provided the necessities for me and my two older brothers on a very average salary. Because he was a builder we always had nice homes. Not many vacations, but we did fine (at least that was the impression I had as a child) He loved sports and thankfully so did his boys. Mainly football/track. He NEVER missed a game. I can't make that claim, but he was smarter and spaced us out, 3 boys over 9 years. I had 4 kids in 6 years. Sometimes I simply couldn't be at two places at the same time. He taught me the value of his word, other people and love for God and community. In my opinion, I'll never be as good a dad as he was, but I know my kids love me. As they grow older (27, 24, 23 & 21 years old now) they think I've gotten a lot smarter. At times I feel guilty that I had a good dad when so many kids don't. I leave them with this message. You basically have two chances for a good parent/child relationship. If your dad screwed it all up, don't blame him. learn from his mistakes and make your relationship with your children a good one. For instance, as great as I think my dad was he was raised by a generation that did not show a lot of outward affection to sons. I always knew dad loved me, even though he seldom hugged or kissed me and frankly, I don't remember a lot of "I love yous". Well, my kids still get hugs & kisses and I end every phone conversation with "I love you". steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JENNR8R 0 #67 September 20, 2006 I think you're a great Dad!!! What do you call a beautiful, sunny day that comes after two cloudy, rainy ones? -- Monday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
namgrunt 0 #68 September 20, 2006 My Father he was good even when no one was looking worked all his life his family always cane first did not give us everything we wanted showed us how out word was our bond never quit never complained thought of outhers first beleaved in god,country,honor as he was dieing with cancer was worried about mother but not himself even though he was a career army officer he was a man of peace and at peace never forgave the japs,he was on batan and corragedor but never talked about it my father was and is my hero and role model ..59 YEARS,OVERWEIGHT,BALDIND,X-GRUNT LAST MIL. JUMP VIET-NAM(QUAN-TRI) www.dzmemories.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piisfish 137 #69 September 20, 2006 my dad looks like Steven Spielberg mixed with Sean Connery and he is an example of a hard worker. To hard to follow for me scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #70 September 20, 2006 My Dad is 74. He's training for his 28th Argus Cycle tour, held in Cape Town in March. It's 70 miles long and crosses 5 mountain passes. He only started cycling when he stopped running marathons. I've never heard him raise his voice to my mom. They'll be married 50 years on 22 Dec this year. When I'm 74, I hope I'm half the man he is now. tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JENNR8R 0 #71 September 20, 2006 ...never forgave the japs, he was on batan and corragedor but never talked about it... Quote My Dad was the same. We were never allowed to buy anything that was "Made in Japan."What do you call a beautiful, sunny day that comes after two cloudy, rainy ones? -- Monday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites GogglesnTeeth 6 #72 September 20, 2006 Yesterday was his birthday!!! Happy 61st Dad!!! Goggles and Teeth "You fall like a greased safe!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Michele 1 #73 September 20, 2006 My father is my cornerstone. No matter what I do, he's right there in my corner, cheering me on (even if he thinks I'm doing something he wouldn't ever consider, like skydiving). He's smart, gave me a strong work ethic, a stubborness which has served me well, and a great understanding of human beings and how to love even when it's not easy to do. His strength and comfort have lifted me over some incredibly difficult times, and I've never doubted his love and his friendship. And as he aged and I aged, we have become the best friends possible. We can talk about anything under the sun; the mutual respect is giant, the trust untouchable, and the love enormous. My father is my best friend...while still being my father. How blessed I am. How blessed indeed. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites NWFlyer 2 #74 September 20, 2006 I know I already posted to this, but seems like a good day to add more since yesterday was my parents' 42nd wedding anniversary! I know my dad's patience had a lot to do with the longevity of their marriage. (Photo attached was taken a couple months before their wedding)"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Lindercles 0 #75 September 20, 2006 Thanks for reminding me, today is my parents' 31st anniversary. I just called my dad. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next Page 3 of 5 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
GogglesnTeeth 6 #72 September 20, 2006 Yesterday was his birthday!!! Happy 61st Dad!!! Goggles and Teeth "You fall like a greased safe!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #73 September 20, 2006 My father is my cornerstone. No matter what I do, he's right there in my corner, cheering me on (even if he thinks I'm doing something he wouldn't ever consider, like skydiving). He's smart, gave me a strong work ethic, a stubborness which has served me well, and a great understanding of human beings and how to love even when it's not easy to do. His strength and comfort have lifted me over some incredibly difficult times, and I've never doubted his love and his friendship. And as he aged and I aged, we have become the best friends possible. We can talk about anything under the sun; the mutual respect is giant, the trust untouchable, and the love enormous. My father is my best friend...while still being my father. How blessed I am. How blessed indeed. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #74 September 20, 2006 I know I already posted to this, but seems like a good day to add more since yesterday was my parents' 42nd wedding anniversary! I know my dad's patience had a lot to do with the longevity of their marriage. (Photo attached was taken a couple months before their wedding)"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindercles 0 #75 September 20, 2006 Thanks for reminding me, today is my parents' 31st anniversary. I just called my dad. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
