All Comments on 'A Letter to My Father'

Thanks for posting a beautiful story about fathers. Being a father it means a lot to me and I appreciate your wonderful thoughts about yours.

Like many of us it is something I never got round to saying - somehow time just evaporates - and now it is too late now by many decades.

Being an only child I took dad in when mum passed in 1981 so I hope from that he realised I cared. Mum did everything for him - he would burn water if left to his own devices - he didn't have clue in the kitchen.

At that time my divorce had just been finalised and I was working long hours under a lot of pressure as well as trying to build up a new social life on a near zero budget.

My parents had retired to the coast where many of their old friends and colleagues had also retired. The downside for him being moving him away from his friends - although on thinking back there were few of them left and dad was no longer driving due to a sight problem and mum had never driven so in hind sight the wrench was probably not so big.

Fortunately we had a local social club for his age group within dad's walking distance which also served lunch. Dad was quite gregarious and once introduced there was no stopping with several ladies after him until he passed in 1986 following a stroke.

To the last anonymous poster, I am sure your father knew how you felt. The words are always very welcome to hear, but sometimes actions speak louder. You did a lot for him, and it likely meant more to him than his group of friends. I know with my daughter, we don't often say the words, "I love you," to each other, but we bond on a much deeper level. I know she loves me, as I love her. I always feel sad when we meet some of her friends, and see that they don't come from a home with love like ours. If it were up to me, every child would have at least one person in this world that loves them unconditionally.

Anyhow, thank you for sharing!

RNebular