Memories of a Veteran . . .

My dad was just a kid when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He was the age my oldest son is now.  He served in Viet Nam from October of 1966 until October of 1967.  He left behind a new wife and a baby-to-be.  That baby was me.  I was born in January of 1967 and he didn't find out that he had a baby daughter until almost a week later.  He once told me he refused to give to the Red Cross because it took them so long to get the telegram to him. 

My dad on his boat.

 He received a Purple Heart for wounds he received while in combat.  He didn't speak much about being in a war.  I remember being a freshman in high school when we learned about Viet Nam.  My teacher asked if any of us knew of someone that had served there.  I told him about my dad and he asked if I could have him come in to speak to the class about it.  I went home that day and asked him.  His reply was "Why?  So I can be asked how many people I killed?"  That was the first time I had ever really thought about what my father went thru.  I know that when he was asleep we weren't allowed to jump on him or wake him up abruptly (like little kids are known to do).  Instead my mother would gently throw something at him from a safe distance across the room to wake him .  Usually a wet wash cloth.  LOL!!  It's funny how things like that are our most vivid memories of childhood.  As an adult I realized it was due to post traumatic stress syndrome or PTSD.

When my dad found out he had diabetes when he was in his early 50's, he was told he could apply for veteran's disability due to exposure to Agent Orange.  For a few years, he refused to apply saying there were veterans that needed the benefits more than him.  That was just the kind of person he was ~ simple, honest and hard-working.

My dad passed away in 2005 after a sudden illness.  The anniversary of his death is coming up on November 16th.  He was only 59 years old.  He had just retired, bought a fishing boat and had a grandson named for him.  And, just like that, he was gone.  We had our ups and downs over the years, as most kids do with their parents.  I felt like I was just starting to scratch the surface of who he was when he passed.  We had deeper conversations and I started to catch glimpses of who he was on a human level, not just as a father/disciplinarian.  He was a softer, gentler version of his younger self.  His grandchildren reaped the rewards of this.  When Megan was born, I cried because she is the only grandchild that he didn't get to hold.  I cry as I type this.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about him.  Ever.  I know he's still here and that makes me smile thru the tears.  He's been leaving us dimes since right after his passing.  It always seems to be when we need to see them the most.  Hopefully, I'll be finding one today. 

God bless America and God bless our Veterans!!


Many blessings for a peaceful day and thank a vet if you get the chance ~ Wendy

What the Heck Happened to My "Grandpop Rippy's Boat" Post?? . . .

This morning my husband pointed out to me, while at work, he was trying to bring up my blog to show the photo I posted of my father to a co-worker but the whole post was gone.  Sure enough, my post from the other day is no longer here.  Hmmmmm . . .  very strange.  So here is the photo of my Dad again.

My Dad was 59 when he passed away very suddenly.  Someone took this photo of him on his boat and I wanted to share it.  If this is missing again then I know he's got something to do with it!!  : )

Many blessings for a happy Saturday ~ Wendy


*  A postscript to this ~ after I posted this blog entry this morning my sister texted me to tell me that she read the new entry and right after closing my blog page her daughter came into the room and said, "Mommy, I found a dime on the floor.  Do you want it?"  My father has been leaving us dimes since right after he passed.  No doubt, he watches over everything we do!!!  Amazing Grace.  : )

Sunday Sayings . . .

Happy Father's Day to my Dad.  It's been almost seven years and I miss you as much now as I did then.  We had just started to scratch the surface of our relationship.  I always say my children got the best part of you.  The kinder, gentler version of you.  I think about how you would be with Megan.  The only grandchild you weren't at the hospital to hold.  I know you were there but it wasn't the same as seeing you with her.  I think about you whenever I pull in the driveway and see your fishing boat that we will have on the river this year.  I think about you whenever I find a dime that you still leave when we need them the most.  I love you with all of my heart. 


Many blessings to those of you who are lucky enough to still have their Dad in their life and to those of you who will be looking up at the stars tonight, wondering if your Dad is shining down on you.  No doubt, mine is.

~ Wendy