24 years ago today I was flown to to the San Diego Recruit Training Facility to begin a 4 year enlistment in the US Navy. We were sworn in at the federal building downtown and began making friendships right away, some that lasted, some that did not. My father took some time off from work to come down and shake my hand and I remember him looking good, being proud and happy. I gave him a shiny half dollar and told him to "remember me". That was the last time I saw him alive. Two and a half months later I was called out of class with the bad news and was allowed to fly home to my family.
So about 24 years ago my Dad died and Jane and I were just talking last night about how he would have loved her and loved his grandchildren. At the wake I was presented with the half dollar, it was tucked away in his wallet. He was a good man and I miss him, that's all.
Better
14 years ago
Last August marked 25 years since I last saw my dad alive. Echoing your thoughts and feelings almost exactly. Especially at the holidays. I think we become accustomed to the facts of death but don't really get used to it, if that makes any sense.
ReplyDeleteI miss my dad. I am sorry we all have to miss our dads.
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