It's been 2 years today that my Dad passed away. He died suddenly from a heart attack on September 23rd, at 10:40 AM. He was a young 63. It still feels like it was yesterday.
My dad was a tough love kind of dad. He made us say things like 'yes, sir' and 'no, sir', he didn't hesitate to discipline us the old school way, and he wasn't what you'd call touchy feely. He demanded respect (and got it), but he also gave it. Despite how tough he was on us growing up (there was 6 of us kids), I loved him for it.
My dad was the rock of my family. He never showed much emotion when life got rough. For example, I got robbed at knife point when I was a kid on my paper route and my dad was there to tell me it’s OK and to be strong. When I was 21 I got robbed (again) at gun point, and my dad was there, again, to tell me I did good because I didn't get shot. When my house burned down to the ground (lost everything, no insurance), my dad was there to go home to, and to say, hey, you think you lost everything, but you didn't, you still have the most important thing, you still have family.
At these very rough times in my life, my dad was there for me, and, like the rock he is, never showed any fear or panic. He showed strength and toughness, which was always just what I needed. He didn't say I love you much, except at these crucial times. I think he just had great timing and saved these "I love you's" for when they were most needed.
Unfortunately, I never told him I loved him back. I think I thought I was being tough, like my dad. I never found the right time and I always thought there would be more time.
It's been 2 years and I still miss my Dad. And it still hurts.
I love you, Dad.
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The only time I can remember my Dad telling me "I love You" is when I was angry with a co worker and decided to stay home instead of sucking it up and helping this person. My Dad was the manager and I an employee. On the third day of staying home, my Dad called me and calmly told me to stop being so stubborned and come back to work as I needed to earn for my family. He was way smarter than I and always had the right answer. I argued my point and he knew I was right but was "cutting my nose off despite my face". He said "I love you" almost as a last ditch effort to steer me right. I said I know quickly to blow off the awkwardness. We said goodbye and I hung up the phone and dropped it on the bed sobbing in tears thinking that was the only " I love you" that I remember. I was 40 years old. That is why he is so loved and missed. Eddie
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