I often say that I miss my dad!
There are so many reasons why, it would be foolish to try and go through all of them right now! However, today I just want to talk about one of the reasons.
My dad was a genuine, rough and tumble, whatever it takes kind of man! At least, as far as I know and from what I hear from others this is a fair description.
I know that if I ever needed anyone to watch my back, or lend me a hand with something he would be there in a heartbeat! He was a good man, doing what ever he could to provide for his family and to help a friend.
He also did not have any use for folks that didn't behave in a decent fashion, if you know what I mean. He was not judgemental, but unless you wanted a straight and truthful answer, then don't ask his opinion!
He believed in God, he believed in justice, he believed in Texas, and he believed in doing the right thing! Below I have a copy of the Oath of Allegiance which he swore to and then signed as prove of his intent to support when he joined the Navy. If you click on this picture, you will see that it is dated 1940!
One thing that I can say in all certainty is that he would support the efforts of each and every one of the folks that are trying to get back some of the rights being done away with daily! He would have no part of letting others be taken advantage of...that wasn't his nature.
I'll tell you what he wasn't! He was NOT a "domestic terrorist"! He was NOT a radical! He was NOT a "rabble rouser"! He was NOT any of the labels being forced on the average American today, for wanting to defend and protect what he had sworn an oath to!
To put it as simply as possible, he was a lot like your dad! He was caring, but not weak...strong, but not a bully...firm, but not pushy! He could cry, but preferred to laugh! He believed that his handshake was a contract, and he looked you in the eye when he gave it!
In short, my dad was a patriot, my friend and my hero! I only hope to be half as good a man as he was!
Now, my friend, let's have some fresh coffee...Oh, yeah, he loved coffee with his friends as much as I do!
Your dad made you the man that you are. He gone good.
ReplyDeleteHere is a man with courage to speak the truth. May God bless Dr Manning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hFiab7fjak
This video may make you want to clean your rifle again, and count ammo.
They say like father like son, and like mother like daughter.
ReplyDeleteUsually if a convict is talking he is lying. Anyhow, when I worked at Ellis Unit TDC a convict told me he was in prison because he murdered his wife. Dunno if he was joking or not. I said, "I can understand that.I've been married twenty years." He pointed to an older greyhaired convict and said, "He was my FIL. Can you guess why he is here?" I asked, " Did he murder his wife?." He grinned, " How did you guess?"
I think my Dad was of the same generation. Seventeen years old graduated, he volunteered to go in the Navy, but while in basic in San Diego, the Japanese surrendered. He claimed because they knew he was coming, lol.
ReplyDeleteDid his time, spending the majority of time stationed in Philappines (sp?), then went to college, courtesy of G.I. Bill. Went to U.T., the only requisite being you are a citizen of Texas - that was good enough for them!
Became an architect, married and had two boys. He was a great Dad, guiding my brother and I, but never telling us what choices to make. Gave me a love of reading, and I thank him for that - if you can read and can soak it up, you have a lot.
When I dropped out of college, I expected a major blowup, but I think he understood. Just warned me life would be difficult without that sheepskin, especially in money arena. I never gave much to that, I like my toys and am content. Never want to spend time in high priced spots, rubbing elbows with the elite - I could care less.
He passed away July 2, 1997 from a sudden heart attack at home - I miss him a lot. He never spent a day in the hospital in his life, and he didn't suffer at the end - a good death, in my eyes. But didn't leave much room for goodbyes.
I told him I wished I would be half the Dad he was to me to my kids, and I try everyday to hold to that. He never got to meet my two kids, though he was there at my wedding - I thank God for that.
Good morning Jim. Your dad sounds like a fine man. Good memories of loved ones are precious. You can't take your stuff with you but you sure can leave a legacy. In the end, that is important. Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteMorning Jim;
ReplyDeleteMy dad would have liked your dad.Enough said. besides I have something in my eyes. God Bless both of them.
See ya
Great Post my Special Friend, It sounds like your Dad was very special just like you are. So you know he did a great job. Our Dad's had a differant approach to life that you just don't see much anymore.
ReplyDeleteNow lets have that coffee and settle in and remember if we cry we cry, it sure would be for good men we knew and loved.
Hey Vlad...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words this morning. I think that so many young people today need some sort of stable influence in their lives.I'm only glad I had it.
Thanks for the link and for the visit...
Hey Anon 5:58...
It's good to have some positive memories of a parent, I believe. sounds like your dad was a very good man.
Like you, I hope to be remembered as just part of the man my dad was...
Thanks so much for coming by!
Hey Kris...
You're right about the memories...that's what keeps us going sometimes is our memories!
I appreciate your visit today!
Hey Tony...
I thik you're right! They would have liked each other! Here's to both of them, buddy!
Hey, thanks for the visit!
Hey JoJo...
I wish that we could have a little touch of that something special they brought to the table.
Lord knows we could use a bit of it in todays world!
Thanks for coming over, sweetness!
chip off the old block my friend!
ReplyDeletePickdog
Hey Pickdog...
ReplyDeleteI do hope you're right! I figure if I can only have half his inner strength and just a portion of his goodness, I'll be in good shape!
Thanks for the kind words and for the visit...
It sounds to me you do have a lot of your Father in you. I think your a great guy and you are full of kindness and strength. Even I as a woman picked up a lot of the inner strenght my dad had. He taught me so much, he always had time to spend no matter what his work schedule was. He taught me how to be independent and strong, how fish and to clean them, YUCK but hey you caught them you clean them. I could go on and on but you get it.
ReplyDeleteHey JoJo...
ReplyDeleteYep, dad was a lot like that! Certainly enjoyed his off time from work to spend time with the family!
Sounds like he was a strong foundation for you. He raised a great son.
ReplyDeleteToo bad more men aren't like him. Seems like lots of men now days make the kids then walk away and forget it takes a real man to be a father.
Hey Rae...
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by. I remember that someone told me once " Anyone can be a father, but it takes a man to be a dad!"
Lot of wisdom in that saying...
I agree with that! To many guys today think they can just go around making babies and never bother with their responsibility of raising and supporting said children. But boy they sure think it makes them a man. Some day they will look back and realize they have nothing and all those kids could care less about them.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Mister Hermit, sir. Your Dad sounds like a pip...
ReplyDeleteI don't think people seeking to retain and regain rights are terrorists...but I doubt the gumment is interested in what I think. Sigh.
Meanwhile, whatever the establishment may think, fight the good fight! Freedom can't be stopped...hampered, maybe, hindered...but like life, it WILL find a way.
Thanks for being a voice in the wilderness...
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
My hero, too. Beautiful post. Be gratful that you (we) had a Dad in our lives. I once read that the best thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother. I believe in the basis of that, also.
ReplyDelete