Happy Birthday Dad-I miss you.

[Oh Haha]

Just had to share this with those that have lost your dads.
My Dad would be 76 today.





I stopped to pickup dinner on the way home. In a booth by the counter was a sharply dressed older man and lady. I converse with the counter guy about the order. Out of the blue the older says "you don't'want to eat here, I'm the health inspector and they didn't pass inspection.". I turned around and smiled and anwered "it's ok, it's for my wife." We made somemore small talk about my job and whatnot. They were waiting for their dinner to be brought. While I was paying for mine, the guy was nicely dogging the waitress about who was cooking tonight, did he wash his hands, etc. Good natured fun. The staff called him Joe so I presume he was a regular.

I thought it was cool that they got dressed up to eat supper at not such a fancy place and commented on that. "That's how I was brought up, young man".

I told him he reminded me of my Dad. "That's good thing, today he would be 76" I said. He even looked like my Dad a bit.

Turns out that he is 76 as well and served in Korea. He was/is a Marine. He then told me the differences between the "other" branches and the Marines. He still had his brush cut. My Dad was in the Army. The "girl scout rejects" as he guy told me.

I thanked him for his service and wished them both a good evening as my order was ready.

While my Dad wasn't as boisterous, he did mess with the staff at his favorite eatery.

It was a very strange experience for me. It really reminded me of what a great generation that group was. I don't have any regrets over anything with my Dad but there are days I wish he were still reachable by phone. Even if he wasn't really wanting to talk, he would listen to me.

What's that song from the other thread? "cats in the cradle"

[Targa Me]

Happy Birthday to your Dad.
I know how you feel.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Oh Haha

Just had to share this with those that have lost your dads. My Dad would be 76 today.... Turns out that he is 76 as well and served in Korea... It was a very strange experience for me...

Wayne

These experience don't just happen out of the blue. Wish you Father a Happy Birthday from me.

[on2wheels52]

A nice encounter for being out of the blue, OH.
My dad would be 97 this year. I haven't had any reminders like you experienced, perhaps I need to sharpen my focus. It's tough not to feel like a candyass knowing what their generation went through.
Jim

[mthomas58]

Nice post and nice thoughts.

I lost my dad a year ago July 1st (physically anyway - mentally due to alzheimers he had been slipping away for some time). He missed his 90th birthday by 70 days. I miss him too.

[Oh Haha]

Thanks guys. I knew I could share the story here.

I had originally told my wife that I didn't really Chinese tonight. After we spoke, my boss asked for a lift to pick up his truck after a repair which put me a bit later. I called my wife to tell Iwould be later than anticipated and that I'll just get dinner afterall.

[artplumber]

Will raise a glass in his honor Wayne.

Miss mine too. He missed his 77th by 2 weeks this year.

[john70t]

Dad had a big B-day recently with many relatives flying and driving in.
We warned everyone in advance to speak and move slowly and keep it very low-key. He just can't take the exitement anymore.

For a few days he was completely clairvoyant and cognitant of everything, and everyone.
What a treat. He shared stories and laughed. Good times.

Yesterday, the dementia kicked back in and we spent an hour getting him off the floor. He was sure the house was falling in and had wrapped himself around a pole.

[Oh Haha]

Originally Posted by john70t

Dad had a big B-day recently with many relatives flying and driving in.
We warned everyone in advance to speak and move slowly and keep it very low-key. He just can't take the exitement anymore.

For a few days he was completely clairvoyant and cognitant of everything, and everyone.
What a treat. He shared stories and laughed. Good times.

Yesterday, the dementia kicked back in and we spent an hour getting him off the floor. He was sure the house was falling in and had wrapped himself around a pole.

I can't imagine having to see your dad with such a loss of control. Best wishes to you and your family.

[azasadny]

Wayne,
I know how you feel, I miss my grandfather every day. My grandfather was like a father to me. My father is still with us and we rebuilt our relationship almost 6 years ago... You and your family are in my prayers.

[widgeon13]

Have you read "The Greatest Generation", it's worth the time.

Sorry about your Dad.

[Zeke]

This old marine is an attention whore with an inferiority complex.

I'll bet your dad was a much better man.

[rcecale]

Originally Posted by milt

This old marine is an attention whore...

...aren't ALL Marines?

Originally Posted by milt

...with an inferiority complex.

Inferiority? Not on your life, milt!

Originally Posted by milt

I'll bet your dad was a much better man.

No argument here!


Randy

[john70t]

These days we forget to say "thanks for being you" every once in a while.
Do it, while there's still time.

Condolences for your father. He sounded like a good man.

[dlockhart]

Funny how similar we pelicans are.
Mine would have been 75, he came up short of 50 and despite all his faults, I miss him dearly.