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Re: Oh my... (Reply to this comment)
by colonialpara
Thank you, Sunni.
It took me a while, but I finally realized how fortunate I am that God gave me the father He did.
Thanks for your comments.
Paul
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Jul 01 '05
2:17 pm PDT
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What a beautiful tribute... (Reply to this comment)
by knotheadusc
I too was raised by a military man. My dad retired an Air Force Lt. Col. and now, at age 72, is starting to show signs of cognitive impairment. There were many times in my life that I didn't like my dad very much, but I always loved him and still do. It's only every once in awhile that I am reminded of what he went through and sacrificed as a member of the military-- especially when he went to Vietnam. Thank you for this very moving essay. You made me remember how much I appreciate my old dad... and my husband, for that matter.
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Jun 26 '05
5:48 am PDT
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Thanks (Reply to this comment)
by George_Chabot
for the fine write-up on your dad, Paul. Audie Murphy didn't have much on him! ;>
My dad was drafted, went to France as a replacement and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He did not share many particulars of his time on the front lines, but then hardly anybody ever did. Good thing you wrote this down while you still have him! Bravo zulu, pal!
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Jun 21 '05
12:24 pm PDT
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Dads (Reply to this comment)
by pilarzmom
from that generation (mine would have been 89 this year--he died at age 87) were similar in many respects, I think. My dad was not always the most loving in today's traditional sense but his toughness did us well later in life I truly believe. He was a Marine by the way. LOL!
I know how you feel. I still suffer guilt over not being with my parents in their final hours. But try your best - I'm sure he understands.
Peggy
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Jun 17 '05
2:35 pm PDT
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Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by colonialpara
Thanks Mike.
Paul
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Jun 17 '05
1:41 pm PDT
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Re: My prayers and regards go to you and... (Reply to this comment)
by colonialpara
Thanks Phil.
It took me a long time to forgive some of the things he did, but then I thought of the one person who forgave all of us for our transgressions. And as you know, He died a horrible death to atone for everything we did and will do in the future. I figured that if He could forgive unconditionally, then I could make the decision to do so for my dad.
Thanks for your thoughts and comments; they mean a great deal to me, especially now.
Cheers,
Paul
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Jun 17 '05
1:40 pm PDT
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Re: Dear Paul: (Reply to this comment)
by colonialpara
Hi Alex,
Many heartfelt thanks for your comments. My dad seems to be fading fast of late and I'll be heading to Florida to visit him next week.
He was and always will be my hero.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Paul
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Jun 17 '05
1:37 pm PDT
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My prayers and regards go to you and... (Reply to this comment)
by popsrocks
...your dad. I'm so glad to hear that forgiveness was in your heart and now you can think of your father with the pride he deserves.
I also take it as an honor to know you and your dad as good people and defenders of the freedom of my children.
God Bless,
Phil
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Jun 16 '05
6:47 pm PDT
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... (Reply to this comment)
by speeddemon531
God bless both you and your dad.
Mike
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Jun 16 '05
5:40 pm PDT
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Dear Paul: (Reply to this comment)
by macresarf1
Poignant and admirable.
As I read your piece, I thought of my own father. There was a point, after the rather harsh introduction, where the old English teacher in me whispered, now why doesn't he come with some alternatives for "my dad"? Then, the pride, love and respect you have for your father sank into my consciousness. You write as you would speak to someone about your dad. A writer can do no better.
Your dad, indeed, seems to have been a figure out of THE BIG RED ONE! What a career! What a life!
Be sure, he gets his oxygen.
My Dad died of emphysema.
All the best to both of you.
Alex -- Macresarf1
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Jun 16 '05
4:28 pm PDT
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Re: :) (Reply to this comment)
by colonialpara
Thank you, Diane.
Your comments and support are very appreciated.
Best,
Paul
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Jun 16 '05
11:36 am PDT
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Re: Paul, my father was also a member of the "Greatest Generation" (Reply to this comment)
by colonialpara
Thanks Howard.
I am sure that you Dad was very proud of you. And please know that I know your war was a thankless one, but that you have fellow countrymen who appreciate what they guys of the Vietnam generation did when it came time to serve.
I also want you to know that your guidance, leadership and comments here at the site have meant more to me than I can adequately say. We're all lucky to have you here at epinions.
Best regards,
Paul
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Jun 16 '05
11:34 am PDT
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Re: Salute! (Reply to this comment)
by colonialpara
Ready, to!
Thanks Don. I am hoping and praying that my Dad is still with us when I return from this next tour. I don't know how I'll deal with it if he is not. Despite everything, I now realize he has ALWAYS been there for me. I just wish my younger brother could come to the same realization. But then, he didn't follow in anyone's footsteps and went his separate way.
I appreciate, more than you know, your kind comments and all of the support you have shown me since I came to epinions. Please keep ALL of us in Iraq and Afghanistan in your prayers; we all need that support bak here on the home front.
Garry Owve, Sir!
Paul Connors
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Jun 16 '05
11:27 am PDT
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Re: Father's Day W/O (Reply to this comment)
by colonialpara
Catherine,
Thank you for hosting this write-off. I had been wondering how I would pay tribute to my Dad and your hosting provided me with the perfect venue. Thank you so much for doing so and for providing me with a place to tell him that he still means so much to me.
Paul
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Jun 16 '05
11:23 am PDT
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:) (Reply to this comment)
by disartain
I know you are as proud of your father as he is of you.
I really enjoyed reading about his career, we need more like him and you.
Diane
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Jun 16 '05
6:56 am PDT
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Paul, my father was also a member of the "Greatest Generation" (Reply to this comment)
by Howard_Creech
U. S. Marine Corps 1941-49. I am saddened to hear about your father's poor health and I hate knowing that you must return to the chaos and violence in Iraq.
When I went in the Army in January 1966, my dad told me what his Paris Island Drill Sergeant told him in 1941, "Keep your head down, your mouth shut, and your eyes and ears open, follow orders, watch your back, and cover your buddy's @ss."
Take care, amigo
Howard
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Jun 15 '05
11:47 pm PDT
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Salute! (Reply to this comment)
by Don_Krider
Paul,
Buddy, I'll be saying some prayers for you and your Dad. This was fascinating to read --- I'm glad you came to an understanding of your father and I'm deeply sorry he is in ill health. It took me a long time to understand my Dad, but I've come to understand his actions over the last few years (I'm the only one of his three kids who grew up while he was in the military, so my perspective is so much different from the experiences of my brother and sister who were born after he retired from the Navy).
May the spirit of Garry Owen keep you safe in Iraq and watch over your father as well.
Don :)
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Jun 15 '05
9:59 pm PDT
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Father's Day W/O (Reply to this comment)
by mrs-j
Paul, this was a beautiful post. I'm so sorry your father is ill, and that you face such heart wrenching decisions. I wanted to leave a comment and ask if you would you like me to link to this review for my Father's Day Write-Off? Many of us are in a Father's Day sort of mood and your entry is touching, and beautiful, and I think fits where many of us are right now, reflecting on our fathers and what they mean to us.
Let me know, either way. The link is on my profile page so you can just leave a comment there if you like. I hope that your father's health improves, if it's possible. And I hope that your tough decisions in the end work out. Best wishes - Catherine
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Jun 15 '05
7:30 pm PDT
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