The Things We Never Knew About Our Parents...

[M.D. Holloway]

Last night I called my Dad, git one of his home stay nurses on the line. She is a very sweet women but very chatty. She told me that the other day she happened to mention to another 91 year old man she cares for was also a WWII vet. She told him that she had another gentle men who was also a vet, served in the army and later worked for the Naval Underwater Warfare Center for many years. The man asked who and she said she was obligated by confidentiality not to disclose names. He asked a few more 'yes' 'no' questions and within 5 questions he guessed it was my Dad. He proceeded to tell her that the high school they went to had 43 seniors and all 43 enrolled the same day. While he and my Dad lived on separate streets he knew him. Little cross pollination took place back then. A while later the 43 boarded a train to head to upstate New York to begin their military journey. The man said that he was exceptionally nervous and said that as soon as they board he found his seat. The seat next to him was empty. He said my Dad sat next to him and must have noticed that he was upset. My Dad didn't ask if he was OK but rather spent the next several hours telling him that they would be fine, that the army and navy were the best in the world and that where ever they went every thing would be fine. He said my Dad told him various stories and they developed a true friendship. And he said that he will never forget what my Dad told him 'stay alert alway'. he said he never forgot that silly little expression but he used it every day in the pacific campaign he was assigned to. He said that between the talk my Dad gave him and that simple little phrase allowed him to endure. He said that he has never forgotten my Dad and afer the war they would see each other and sometimes have a beer at the VFW hall or exchange pleasantries at the coffee shop. He said that he was one of the most influential men in his life.

I guess my Dad got him at a pivotal time in his life. I asked my Dad if he remembered him and the conversation and my Dad said he did but had no idea it meant anything to him. No idea. In fact my Dad was surprised at the whole thing.

Made me think about how we all have an impact on others and yet may never realize it.



As a footnote, I heard the phrase "stay alert' every day growing up and when we sign off after a phone call. I asked him years ago what he really means by that and he said simple 'just be aware always of what is going on around you - enjoy every second but be aware of the danger too." Zen

[recycled sixtie]

Great advice Mike. This thread is definitely starworthy.
Guy

[jcommin]

My grandmother had a saying that translated " have eyes in back of your head" I remember my dad saying that to me.

I get the message.

[tabs]

Exactly what do U think I have been inculcating in youse Boyz? Awareness, Awareness, Awareness and some more Awareness.

Yesterday was 42 years on the path of "awareness." In that time I have learned every trick in the book, except for the ones that I haven't seen before.

What dismays me is just how little of it there is out there. As I have been saying everybody has their own little circle of light or "awareness." Some are big some are little.

[asphaltgambler]

Great story - Some years ago; I asked my Dad why he and his twin brother as well as most his graduating class voluntarily started in ROTC in high school, then after college enlisted into the service for WWII. His answer was "It was a much different...... time then....................we all felt deep down it was something we should do for our country................actually compelled to do. We never considering failing, not succeeding. Also, some of us............ knew that death was probable but youth and testosterone was the outward substitute for courage.............which outweighed the initial fear"

[masraum]

Interesting story. Thanks for recounting it to us.

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

Made me think about how we all have an impact on others and yet may never realize it.

I've noticed the the same sort of thing before. I've had close friends mention things that I did that really made an impression on them and I had no idea. Or my mom has mentioned something that she remembers doing (and now regrets) when I was growing up that I can't recall, but she thinks it was some traumatic event for me growing up.

[Crowbob]

I am firmly a believer of living one's life with honor and dignity has immeasurable effect on those around us.

And thanks, Mr. Holloway for affirming my belief.

[Icemaster]

Thank god you weighed in on this Tabs, I was afraid that for maybe 30 seconds or so everyone would have forgotten about the epic awesomeness that you bring to these kinds of threads.

you're doing a great job providing contrast to Lubeys dad. Thanks for helping us all maintain perspective on the key things in life.

[aap1966]

I am firmly a believer of living one's life with honor and dignity has immeasurable effect on those around us.

Absolutely.
On others, and ourselves.

You can never have your honour and dignity taken from you, you can only give it away.

[M.D. Holloway]

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