Gratitude for our dads!

Anonymous

One more round of gratitude, so we don't take up Angie's post!

My dad and I definitely didn't have the easiest relationship when I was younger (he thought I should go into computers, not music), but we're much better now.

From him I got my love of the outdoors. He was big into biking and camping, and we would do those together often. He very much approves of my new bike, and has given me lots of advice on it. Like him, I like to challenge my body, to do things just to see if I can!
He's not at all interested in fashion, but is in nature's beauty. When he spotted a Florida panther, he called me straightaway to tell me about it

I also learned from him that its important to treat everyone the same -no matter if they're the CEO or the cleaning crew. Like my mom, he makes friends wherever he goes, and will talk with anyone about anything!

Over to you!

4 years ago

Off Topic

13 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Helena

Veteran

Suntiger, wonderful thread, and I'm glad you and your Dad have grown closer with time

My dad is simply the best. He is quiet (until he gets going on a topic he's interested in), ridiculously intelligent and knowledgeable with a near-photographic memory, and devoted to his family like no other. He didn't have the easiest start in life, with some family difficulties, as well as being prohibited (for reasons I just can't understand) from completing high school and pursuing higher education (for which he was granted scholarships) and made to go to work instead. Notwithstanding, he takes the most charitable view of the decisions made about his potential and harbours no bitterness, but rather channeled into providing for my and my sister's education, and that of his grandchildren. His philosophy of life is 'pay it forward'. He is gentle and kind. He has never shown anything but unfailing confidence in my sister and I, even when we were making terrible decisions - because he knew we'd learn and find our way, which we did!

As my mom begins down the difficult road of what is likely to be her last battle against stage 4 cancer, he is patient, strong, stoic, steady, and has never, ever complained despite how obviously drained, tired and worn down he is. He weathers her emotional storms like solid rock does a tempest. I absolutely adore him.

Simply the best.

Photo 1 - me and my daddy back in the day
Photo 2 - me, my sis and my Dad at the Raptors game earlier in the season - our 'experiences rather than things' family Xmas gift this year

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4 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suntiger, it's lovely to read how you and your Dad's interests and traits have collided. This I bet will grow over time.

Helena, your Dad sounds wise, selfless, blessed and a wonderful person. A role model. Your love and admiration for him shines through your heartfelt and eloquent writing. Cute pics.

I am soooo sorry to hear about your Mum. I know all too well what 4th stage cancer in a loving parent means to a child. Brutal is an understatement - for the patient and the loved ones. Sending healing thoughts, strength, and much love.

4 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Thank you Angie <3

4 years ago

Anonymous

Aww-your dad sounds so nice! So sorry about your mum
Yes to experiences over things for gifts!

4 years ago

taylor

Veteran

Gosh , Torontogirl, my heart is with you and your family .

When I was a little girl , I thought my dad was the strongest man in the world. I still think that today .

He was that dad who worked hard everyday and spent every weekend with his family. We camped a lot ...I suspect National Lampoons Vacation was loosely based on our cross country camping trip .:)

Having his back broke , not once , but twice in a freak accident in his 40’s. Going through a 9 hr. Surgery in his 60’s to place a 9 inch rod in his back , surviving cancer and it’s treatment at 80 .
Now at 85 I am in awe of this mans resilience.

He is funny, kind , generous and smart . His body is broken ,barley able to walk and in incredible pain most of the time , he and his girlfriend go dancing every Friday , although they usually just enjoy the company of friends and listen to the music.:)

He is close to his grandchildren and great grandchildren....he loves nothing more than having everyone over for swimming and BBQ....he loves those babies around him , and they love him...it warms my heart to no end.

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

My dad was the dad my friends could call in the middle of the night when their cars broke down. He helped when it was really needed, which is often when others don’t want to help. A good man.

But he taught me to cook like Jacques Pepin taught his daughter to cook, Claudine. ‘Here, let me show you’ and ‘You can do it next time.’ Lolol

4 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Thanks Suntiger! Taylor, your dad sounds like a super hero. Rachy, I love what you said about your dad being willing to help when it's hard ... And the cooking lessons made me lol!!

Thanks for starting this thread Suntiger; so uplifting to read about all the good men in the world. Xx

4 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Taylor, you are a Daddy's girl, and it warms my heart. Dad sounds extremely fab and resilient - just like that generation was (the WW11 generation). I loved hearing how happy he is. You are blessed.

Rachy, Dads like that are incredible.

4 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

TG, I am so sorry about your mom. Warm wishes to you.

4 years ago

taylor

Veteran

Thank you TG and Angie. I am my fathers only daughter .
I’m the lucky one

4 years ago

Bonnie

Veteran

Growing up at home, my mother was the general and my dad, brother, and I were the unruly troops. He was a handsome, hardworking, fun loving guy, my brother was a bit hyper, and I was a bookworm. The three of us needed direction and she was up to it. He was my rock and made me feel OK.

4 years ago

Veteran

Aren't dad's great! Your dads are a wonderful being each one in a different way. I enjoyed reading about them and your relationships.
Totontogirl, I'm very sorry to hear about your mom, I know it is very difficult, both on the person who is sick and the ones who are the care takers. I am sending love and healing.

4 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Lovely posts and all the best to your family Torontogirl. It is a challenging time I am sure.

My Dad has been a hard working farmer all his life...and he loved it!! He is excellent at looking after his animals and keeping a clean green healthy farm and livestock. In April and May he sold up and retired and was proud to achieve top prices for his breeding stock.

Now he is facing retirement alone - and has moved to the city. Since Mum has been sick a lot he can cook, clean and run a house. He is off on a road trip currently visiting friends and family. He loves his family and the outdoors and is a kind good man.

4 years ago

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