i was fortunate enough to visit with my father-in-law (and mother-in-law) many times, at his house and ours, before he died. he was indeed a kind, gentle man.
What a wonderful memorial. I can imagine the stories he had to tell. What a time. What a frightening time, in fact. He was a real hero!
Great story RD. I appreciate how you bring us these very personal stories and bring them to life. I love the part about going to Paris -- now that took chutzpah!
When I look into your father's eyes, I see you and Michael so clearly. You honor your father well, at Memorial Day and always.
Wow, he sounds like a great father. It sounds like you know a fair amount of what he did in the field. His AWOL story is so sadly typical of many people's view of military life. He's not a hero unless he conforms to rigid standards, standards that require him to forsake his humanity.
By the way, he resembles Gene Wilder, did you notice that?
My grandfather was also a medic on D-Day. Who knows, maybe they knew each other...
Papa *never* *ever* *ever* talked about being in WWII. It wasn't until after he died (in 1986) that I learned he had been drafted (A-1) and gone to France to fight.
What a wonderful tribute.
OWL--My dad told some scary, uncomfortable stories about that time. It is a shame that he is gone, because as I get older I have a lot more questions for him.
SMSS--I just received that close-up photo of my dad from a second cousin who is working on the family tree. OMG, it knocked me out. Those eyes. Thanks so much for saying that Michael and I have his eyes. Their shape, yes, but the color-- no, his eyes were hazel.
Grrlscientist-- Gene Wilder, wow, now that you mention it, I see the resemblance. How cool. I learned a lot about what he did from corresponding with his first cousin. It's been very enlightening.
Nio-- Oh wow, I could try to find out with which unit my father served. I think my mother has that information. Wouldn't it be something if they served together? It's too bad your grandfather didn't share more.
Rurality--Thank you. I really like to honor my father. He was a very good man.
Really nice tribute. Whatta guy.
What a privilege for us to get to learn more about your father in this way. Thank you!
This is beautiful, RD. I had tears in my eyes reading it.
Beautiful tribute from a beautiful daughter at this time of remembrance, RD. He was a true hero, and you pay him a worthy homage with your loving words.
Kathy-- He was quite a guy.
Phantom Scribbler-- It gives me great joy to share my father. It is my way of keeping his memory alive.
CCorax-- Yes, I have tears in my eyes often when I think of him.
Janeboatler--Thank you so much. Your words capture my intentions completely.
I wish I had remembered to say of my father that unbeknownst to him, he taught his four children to be anti-war activists. By his gentle nature and his war stories, we grew up fervent peace activists. He and my mother cultivated in us some notion of what it means to be fair and to want peace. I honor them both by never betraying those truths.
WOW!!!beautifully written. i learned things about dad i didn't know...a great tribute to him...thanks rd...
Carry on. His legacy is powerful. You do him justice, my friend. I just saw Doonesbury today...the names of all the dead in Irag. How to make sense of it all? Thank goodness your dad came back to minister to all. What a wonderful man. He is in my prayers.
a fascinating and beautiful tribute to a man who certainly risked all. a judicious use of profanity i might add! thank you for a wonderful post.
I'll ask my uncle which unit he served in.
Papa was a quiet guy--I'm not sure if I ever heard him speak. Actually, he used to tease me when I worked at Dunkin' Donuts, just before he died. But I don't remember his voice. 'Course, it's been almost 20 years since I heard it...
Now I'm all teary-eyed at work. I hate that.
What a lovely tribute.
Maurinsky--
Thank you for stopping by and appreciating this tribute to my father.
I have decided to allow the general public to puchase my flags directly. This is the first time I have allowed direct pricing. Out of curiosity, I am wondering what people have been writing about this topic on the blogs. That is how I found your post.
Thanks,
stars and stripes
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