As he lay dying, my father’s request that I wear my service uniform to his funeral was as close as he’d ever come to saying he was proud of me.
Regardless of my accomplishments, his withering criticism during my teen years weighed on my adult mind. Did he still think I was the “dumbest man God ever put breath into”? My veterans’ readjustment therapist says it’s more about his lack of self-esteem than my adolescent failures.
As the nurse increases the morphine drip and his lucidity fades, my last chance to hear him say he loves me slips away as well.
Nicely done, Bud. Congrats !
Thank you.
So poignant and well written.
Thank you for reading my story.
A very sad story very well told.
Thanks.
You’ve captured so many emotions in so few words. So well done.
I’m glad you liked it.
Moving.
Thank you.
So poignant..well done
I appreciate your feedback.
Wow. Just wow.
Thank you.
The thirst for fatherly approval. A universal theme. Loved it, shared it, and will remember it. Thanks.
Yes, it truly is a universal theme… thanks for reading.
A nice story, based on reality. Congratulations
Thank you.
Powerful Bud. I was in your place with my mother. As she lay dying I just wished to hear the words you are really ok and I do love you. I didn’t get it in life but now I understand that it was more about her self-esteem. You captured so well with your writing. Keep on writing the best therapy one can get
Thank you so much for your inspirational, heartfelt response.
Wow. Fathers and sons, the eternal dance between the vulnerability of acknowledging love and modeling the imagined hardness believed necessary for becoming a man. Of course, I’m thinking of my own late father today.
That perfectly sums up the core concept underlying the story. Thank you!
The opening sentence is just perfect. It’s almost an entire story in itself!
Thank you for the positive feedback. Much appreciated.
Same. . . Yesterday was the fifth anniversary of my father’s death. I am just now able to begin working through our story. Yours definitely pulled on some heart strings.
Thank you.
I appreciate the touching feedback. I am very sorry to hear of your father’s passing.
Powerful piece .
Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Very poignant, and relatable
Oh so sad, and so deeply felt.