RateItAll: The Opinion Network

Wow....so low on the list? I guess I was lucky. My dad had a tough life. Was abused by his dad, on his own by 15, served in Vietnam at 18. He has ALWAYS been there to support me, and willing to help me or anyone one really in a situation. Hes also the funniest man I know! lol

Always gives good sound advice, and is a strong Christian man. I love him a lot.

Today, December 16th is my fathers birthday, he would have been 83. He passed away in 1981 of prostate cancer. he is still missed. I posted a tribute to my dad at http://andrewsalazardelao.blogspot.com if you would like to read it.

He was/is a painfully intelligent man. His work consumed him body and soul. I only held a walk-on role in his life. Although we speak to each other now and I enjoy our conversations some part of me will never forgive him for his absence nor will I ever understand his absence from his grandchildren's lives. He has yet to even meet them.

Eh, I kinda tune out Dad. Still, my rough upbringing did build character.

Personally speaking, I could have lived without having my (step) father for the 9 years that I did. He affected my life, but not the way that people should affect the lives of those around them. Had my mother not been there, things would have been much worse and I probably would have been forced to deal with him longer than I did...and I'll always be grateful to her for protecting me...

There's probably no one in the world I admire less. Around 10 years old or so the curtain was pulled away from OZ and the man whom I had such an inflated sense of worth for- the tough guy who seemingly knew everything, who taught me sports and did all that seemed so rugged and manly- was nothing more than a two bit drunk who repeatedly beat his wife. A chump who was repeatedly arrested, failed to hold down a job, and spent most of his time moving from scam to scam for an inflated sense of self worth and cash to spend on the cheat of the week. By the time I grew in my teens he no longer possessed the intimidation nor the strength to impose his will on a defenseless woman who stood by him always- and a son that would have no more. Unfortunately my life is no different than millions of other kids of lame ass fathers who forgot about their moral obligations to their children and family. At least we got an early schooling in how-not-to parent 101 so we won't make the same mistakes.

My father is an extremely successful person in his profession, and works incredibly hard to achieve great things. He has always been an example of hard work, yet he always made time for my mother, my siblings, and myself. He is the biggest supporter of each of my siblings and I, and only requires that we try our best with what we do. I am lucky enough to have a father who has always demonstrated the right way to go through life.

. . .he meant well but was so damn stupid. I guess I have to give a little credit for effort.

I'm writing this on the evening of March 14, 2005. This evening my dad passed away at home. Those of you who have had a good relationship with your parents, and then you lose one, you know what I am feeling right now. The flood of memories, the words that should have been spoken, thanking God for the words that we did say, and the agonizing feeling of loss have me pretty much on brain overload. It would not be possible or practical to outline his life here on an RIA review but I want to at least touch on the points that seem most important. No matter what I did in life, I always had my dad's encouragement and support in every possible way. Although he did not know a single thing about automobiles he was the first to back me up when I took on a 1965 Mustang as a lifetime project many years ago. He co-signed the loan for me when it was purchased. He helped pay for the major body repair work in 1977. In 1999 when I was stranded across the country he paid for everything to be shipped back home, including sending the Mustang by truck. He welcomed me back into his home enabling me to start fresh. He was never bitter about the money he had to spend because of my own mistakes but said that he was glad that he had it so that he could help me. My Mom was in a serious car accident in 1980 and though she was not permanently disabled, she did lose some of her physical abilities. From 1980 until a few minutes before he died this evening his thoughts were always first about Mom, and he had more patience, understanding, and compassion than any man I ever knew. He was loved by the people in the neighborhood (declared the unofficial mayor of Palm Harbor, Fla) and several friends showed up at the hospital this evening when they heard that he had died. He backed me up no matter what I did, encouraged me in every endeavor, never threw it in my face when I failed, and loved me, my brother, and my Mom unconditionally, even though he was not always given the benefit of the doubt when we were younger. There wasn't a mean spirited bone in his body for he loved life and shared that love with everyone he met, even strangers. I am most fortunate for having known him and blessed beyond measure for having been loved by him. I will try to follow in his footsteps but I can never fill his shoes. Rest in peace, Pop. You were more than just my dad, you were everything that was good, loving, kind, compassionate, and generous, and I am honored to call myself your son. I love you, Pop.

Dad's a highly successful CEO at a law firm in downtown Manhattan. I admired him cuz he cared about me and wanted me to succeed. Sure, we had our fights, quarrels, and arguments but the great thing is that he loves me and I love him too.

Wow! NOBODY has given their father even ONE star yet? I must be even more blessed than I thought! Although we didn't always get along,I have to say my Pop is Tops.Oh,we still get on each others nerves occasionally,but-the man has mellowed beautifully with age.We used to have it out.He was frustrated and middle aged and I was a rebellious teenager.Now,he is the sweetest old man and I am the one who's middle aged.I now realize that he always did what he believed was best.No,he wasn't always right but he tried.He taught me a lot.