Dad Part 2

As a parent, the kids learned. If there was something we kids did that earned a reprimand, it was over quickly,we learned our lesson, it was forgotten. But, there was something about disappointing him and Mom that was disquieting. We ate together every night and the TV was off. My brother and myself had a stormy relationship based on brother rivalry, so there was always some kind of quarrel going on. Dad was peacemaker,but, it must have hurt him deeply that his two sons didn't get along. I tried. Tom didn't. It happens in families... We never went on vacations except once when I was young we went to the Ozarks. I fell into the pool and Dad saved me-- my sister still says that the look of fear on Dad's face was frightening.  We were never rich or poor. There was just a sense of money tightness, so we used our time together. And, I think this bonded us. I see families spending ''time together'' who couldn't be any more distant with each other if they tried. We had warmth and love. What more do you need?.. As the years went by my parents love for each other grew even more stronger. They did everything together as a team.If one had a dentist appointment, the other went along. They were in love with each other and were on the journey of life together. I learned first hand how to treat a woman, how to respect them , and how to protect them. My father was liberated,but, there was an Old World dignity on how he treated women. The man should always look out for them. I believe that is the correct approach... His friendships grew along with his years. He was the life at any party. Everybody laughed and felt good around him. Like the Godfather, people would sit around and listen to him and he would listen to them. Another lesson from him was '' Wherever you are in life, NEVER lose your friends!!''' I never have.... When Dad retired in 1991-- Mom was still working another few years-- he envisioned a life of spoiling his Grandchildren, traveling finally, and spending more time enjoying life before it ran out. He earned that right. It was not to be. Cancer came to his body in 1991. Colon and bladder. He was in the hospital for a few weeks and there was a time we thought it was over. Fortunately the doctors caught it in time. He came home from the hospital but he was never the same carefree spirit. He was shell shocked. The joy in life was drained from him. Mom soon retired and the life they planned for their ''Golden Years'' was gone. In and out of hospitals was Dad's life for the next few years. And, every time he came home, he was just a little more broken. Then came my brother's suicide...