My dad
wasn’t known for sharing his feelings. He kept them inside due to a rough
childhood without a father. His father showed up unexpected to say “Goodbye” as
my dad left for a tour in Vietnam, just in case my dad didn’t make it home
alive. This was the last time my dad would see his father and I would never
know my paternal grandfather.
My dad
learned early and often how to keep his feelings from others. I can only
remember him telling me that he loved me once and that was while he was hugging
me right after Everett passed away. He whispered those three words into my ear.
This would be the first of only three times I ever saw my dad cry. The second
would be when my mom joined Everett 8 years later. The third was earlier in the
day when he realized we lost Kirsten.
