Sounds like you got more than a passion for music from him. Strength and compassion come to mind. He sounds like quite a father, and I’m sure he has quite a daughter. Take his strength, but don’t try to be too strong to grieve. Let the memories come, they’ll get easier with time. We’re here when you want to talk.
Believe me, that Tribute was fit for a hero, and after reading it I know that your father was one.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Know you are safe to share your grief here… sending warm well-wishes and Olives, many Olives, your way.
One thing you can do is get his service record and get copies of his service-related items, and do a Shadow-Box, with a US Flag. It won’t be the same as the original stuff, but it is a good way to remember a Marine.
Raises my glass to Fiveroptic’s dad.
I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m also glad you got that banjo. Every time you play it, you’ll remember the good times.
Fiveroptic–there is a pitfall to avoid: guilt at healing.
In the last few days, I’ve begun to heal, & at times felt neeedlessly guilty, as if recovery was a betrayal.
It is not!!
Your Dad & my Mom wanted us to live. And to be happy. Do not be troubled. It is just & moral to mourn, and to heal after mourning.
I get that, I really do. With all the festivities ending yesterday, today things went right back into the old routine (sort of.) This afternoon I was on the phone with a good friend and we started talking about something trivial that got sillier and sillier with each sentence and soon I was laughing my butt off – just like always. And I stopped myself because I felt guilty, like it was disrespectful. I mean, it really did feel disrespectful. Yet I knew how illogical I was to think that way. But you’re right, Bosda. I think our folks would tell us to knock it off and snap out of it. At least, I know my dad would.
At this moment I feel a deep exhaustion like I’ve never felt before. Every muscle in my body aches and the uppermost thought in my mind is a hot shower and a warm bed. So off I go. Thank you all so much for your kindness and your support – I just can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate it.