It Was 29 Years Ago Today...

Jeff Higgins · 03-06-2008, 01:45 PM

That I lost my old man. We were both way too young; he was 49, I was 18. He was a great dad; I was less than a great son. Defiant, rebelious, restless, and too big for my own britches. He loved me anyway. I'll hoist one in his honor tonight.

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

I lost my father in 93, it doesn't get any easier, as you know. My dad was very hard on me, but that made me a much better man. I'll toast your dad to night.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Interesting timing - a very good friend of mine celebrated the anniversary of his dad's passing last night (27 years ago). I toasted his memory last night for my friend; I'll do the same for you tonight. Cheers and good memories.

gunlover05 · 03-06-2008, 02:41 PM

Here's to your old man....

For those who have lost yours too, take a moment to really reflect on the good times...

For those lucky enough to still have yours, go pick up the phone, call him and tell him you love him, or just let him know in your own way...

life is too short.

2.7RACER · 03-06-2008, 02:50 PM

I miss my dad too. He's been gone for 20 years now. Divorce screwed up everything when I was 13. My son and I have a much better relationship. He's in Iraq until August. It's tough on everyone. We're going to Barrett-Jackson in Las Vegas when he returns. Shopping for a Cobra.
Here's to Dads and Sons.

Andras Nagy · 03-06-2008, 03:05 PM

On the Fourth of July 1993, Dad had asked that the entire family join us for the Holidays. So we were all together for the Fourth festivities and BBQ, enjoyed the small parade in our small town, had a great dinner, and Dad walked upstairs at 22:00 to go to sleep.

Next morning, Mom woke up to find him dead; we closed his eyes, and wept (for ourselves). I've always wondered if he knew that was the night, or just willed himself that it was time to say goodby, with everyone around him, loving, and loved.

We didn't have an open-casket funeral, and had him cremated. Months later we had a memorial service where all us kids spoke.

I'll always remember him walking up the stairs with the normal smile, his normal look, and I'll never have to remember him as just an empty body.

I want to go in like manner. Who wants to remember his dead body?

strupgolf · 03-06-2008, 03:13 PM

To any of you who still have dad's, if you dont call them today and wish them a happy day, I'll come over to your house and, and, oh well, maybe I wont, but you better do it.

Dottore · 03-06-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

That I lost my old man. We were both way too young; he was 49, I was 18. He was a great dad; I was less than a great son. Defiant, rebelious, restless, and too big for my own britches. He loved me anyway. I'll hoist one in his honor tonight.

That's very sad Jeff. You were both too young.

I'll join you for that drink.

Seahawk · 03-06-2008, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2.7RACER

Here's to Dads and Sons.

Salud!

pwd72s · 03-06-2008, 04:16 PM

My father has been gone 20 years now...I still miss both my parents.

legion · 04:41 PM

I lost my dad two years ago in February.

29 years ago, I was 6 months old...

I'm still not sure how I feel about my dad. I pretty much spent every day since I was 13 trying to get independent of him. I finally succeeded when I was 19. I was just about ready to start talking about having him move in with us when he died. If you understand the nature of our relationship, that would have been a huge step.

VINMAN · 03-06-2008, 04:45 PM

Heres to your Dad Jeff!
My father suffered a stroke about 12 yrs ago. Recently for the past few yrs , Ive been watching him slip away to dementia and alzheimers. It's heartbreaking to see him wasting away.

Chocaholic · 03-06-2008, 05:08 PM

Yes...a toast to your old man! Not only did I call mine, but....being a 49 year old dad, I just spent the last 45 mintues talking and laughing with my kids before bed (they're 13, 11, and 8). Every moment is precious.

To fond memories of great times! Thanks for sharing.

peppy · 03-06-2008, 05:09 PM

To our Dads.

Lost mine 13 years ago.

wilke3169 · 03-06-2008, 05:15 PM

My dad died, suddenly, 20 years ago last August. He was 55. I thought he was too young when it happened but, now I am 50 and I realize just how young he was. He was a Volkswagen guy and spent most Saturdays tinkering with something in the back yard. Often times when I am laying under my car I smile knowing he would be right there with me.

Dan in Pasadena · Dan in Pasadena's Garage

Here, here. A toast to our fathers. Too often the recipients of a lot of criticism and grief even though they are every bit as important as out beloved mothers.

My Dad died at age 66 in 1990 after 20 years of large and small heart attacks and strokes. He was an impatient man who could be cruel when he was angry. It was only when I got near middle age that I felt I began to understand; if not entirely forgive, some of his actions. Ironically, the heart disease that ultimately took his life, first took his anger. He mellowed a great deal as the disease and its effects progressed.

Joeaksa · 03-07-2008, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2.7RACER

I miss my dad too. He's been gone for 20 years now. Divorce screwed up everything when I was 13. My son and I have a much better relationship. He's in Iraq until August. It's tough on everyone. We're going to Barrett-Jackson in Las Vegas when he returns. Shopping for a Cobra.
Here's to Dads and Sons.

Mine has been gone 16 years now. Miss him every day...

Superman · 03-07-2008, 07:31 AM

To Dad. Responsible. Stoic. Unyielding. Loving, in the way he knew how. Misunderstood. And finally......appreciated. Heroic.

Here's to Dad!

kimlangley7 · 03-07-2008, 07:38 AM

My Dad is turning 87 on St Patricks day....He and Mom are out in Collo > I'm on east coast.. I call him weekly.. write when I have an interesting experience... I sort of look as one of my main tasks > to make Mom/Fathe happy and proud of me/my family... Dad did 3 wars > WWII in the Pacific [heavy weapons PLT LDR] , Korea and Vietnam.. his hearing is all but gone.... [too many beachheads in the Pacific.. 8" and 11" guns coming in danger close will do that... but he still plays a mean set oftennis and can talk stock market stuff till forever.... He never wasmuch of a car guy... but just a great mentor, role model of honesty, integrity, moral valuse... just a great dad

turbocarrera · 03-07-2008, 08:01 AM

My Dad will have been gone one year this March 29th, his birthday on the 16th. It's slowly getting easier to remember his life and not just his death - which was brutal. Here he is at 38 - the same age as I am now. A great guy.

Here's to Jeff's and everyone's Dad, wherever they are!