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In reply to the discussion: My dad called from out of the blue the other day. We hadn't spoken since my niece's wedding [View all]Rowdyboy
(22,057 posts)68. Each and every family has some situation like this...One day my family was a strong, dynamic force.
Three years later, it was a farce. What seems to be safe for eternity can vanish in an afternoon. I love my family but I've learned to never take it for granted.
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My dad called from out of the blue the other day. We hadn't spoken since my niece's wedding [View all]
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
OP
Welcome to DU, my favorite website and thanks for making one of your first posts
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#2
It was the only real option he had. He was very impressed with Canada's national health insurance
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#4
You are an amazing son. It does my soul good to hear this story. Bless all of you.
The Wielding Truth
Apr 2012
#5
He deserved it....the more I remember the more I'm reminded of the chances he took for us...He drove
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#48
Wow. That is so awesome that you are so past the ill feelings. Your heart is pure. I send you a hug!
DesertDiamond
Apr 2012
#9
During our conversation I suggested he call my younger brother whose birthday (4/24) is 3 days
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#51
My grandfather was my surrogate dad when I was a kid-he taught me stuff like how to fix a bicycle
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#49
Family relationships are complicated but it was closure and it felt good...My mom forgave him for
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#30
The person he hurt most in life was the person I loved best-my mother....She was the single
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#53
You bought tears to my eyes. I'm glad you are able to forgive him. He is old but you really,
southernyankeebelle
Apr 2012
#17
I honestly hope he doesn't feel guilt.....His problem for 50 + years has been alcohol....
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#38
We all have are battles to fight. Don't we. My battle is fat. I have given up on trying to loose.
southernyankeebelle
Apr 2012
#59
Each and every family has some situation like this...One day my family was a strong, dynamic force.
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#68
Boy you ain't whisling dixie. I think onces my mother died we all just aren't as
southernyankeebelle
Apr 2012
#70
Pretty much everybody with a family can relate in some way. Writing the op helped me sort it out
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#31
Thats one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me....It really was more a mental exercise
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#32
I think my problem has always been lack of discipline....I've always been very self-indulgent
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#43
It was cathartic....it helped me to organize my thoughts and put in perspective....
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#44
I never expected so many people to relate to this but I should have....everyone experiences family
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#45
He was just a kid, alcohol messed him up pretty badly, and his own parents divorced when he was 19
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#46
I hope that your kindness and ability to forgive is repaid to you a hundredfold. I think it will be.
yardwork
Apr 2012
#24
Nothing he could do or say now has the power to hurt me... There would be no point in continuing to
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#33
You're right. You won in all ways. Still, it was kind and good of you to be kind to him now.
yardwork
Apr 2012
#63
Oh, he just pissed my younger brother off big time with some over -the-line comments on Facebook
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#34
He really had no idea what to expect-it took guts. We've spoken maybe three times in ten years...
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#35
We spent some time together at my niece's funeral two years ago....And he is a sick, old man....
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#36
Its a long complicated relationship (aren't they all) but for now I'm gonna hold off and maybe call
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#40
I've been busy all day planting a garden, just now had a chance to check back in. I had no idea
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#29
I'm very sorry you experienced this trashy treatment. Everyone deserves better, regardless of the
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#69
I don't understand how they can do it. Why don't they see us? I wanted Ward Cleaver for my dad
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#66
The fact is, you may very well be right....my mom was an expert at manipulating me....
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#65
We're all on the same boat...but your story really moved me. I think of all the older family
Rowdyboy
Apr 2012
#67
Sorry I missed this earlier. Best wishes to you, your partner and your family.
grantcart
Apr 2012
#72