Don't Forget About Your Ol' Dad

My Step Dad(63) lost his life to skin cancer almost 10 years ago and now my Bio Dad(72) is lying in a hospice bed with the same thing. I'm doing pretty good all things considered, but that's only because of the overwhelming love I've received from family and friends. 

If I've learned anything it's this: Have your legal matters in order, be sure to always use your sunscreen... and go see a dermatologist.

 

Born in Houston, Texas in 1939, then moved to McCamey, my Dad was a "West Texas Boy." Class Of '59, McCamey High School.  He was voted most popular by his classmates. He had a way about him that made it easy to be his friend...

After a brief stint at San Angelo College he joined the Navy and loved every minute of it. Upon  completion of basic training he was assigned to duty in Hawaii where he worked as an accountant. Later he would move to San Diego which is where my parents lived after they were wed. The Navy gave him an education and an experience to last for his lifetime and mine. Tidy, well kept, and on time. He was no "Slouch" as he would like to say...

Good with numbers and balancing books he worked for many successful businesses in Texas after 5+ years of service in the Navy. One of his favorite jobs was working in the original Haltom's Jewelers that was in downtown  Ft. Worth. As a child, I remember visiting Haltom's with Mom and how impressed I was that he worked someplace so fancy. 

My parents were small town kids from humble means and they both worked very hard. It wasn't long before we were enjoying the fruits of their labor. They built a house in Hurst, threw lavish parties, traveled on cruise ships and took pride in their meticulous yard. Dad was now a partner in his own business- a cleaning service in downtown Dallas- and enjoyed great success... And then great failure...

Having gone into business with a despicable business partner, Dad's dreamboat life hit the rocks. He experienced tremendous lows in his life and it was at this point he and my Mom divorced. Money, nerves, marrying too young, whatever the reason my parents marriage was over. I am their only child.

Now living in Houston, he continued working and doing the best he could. I visited him yearly and got to know the city of Houston for it's good and bad... He loved Houston. He loved to tell the story of when he saw Tina Turner at The Summit. He took me to AstroWorld, BookStop stores and out for Chinese food. I cherish the day he took me to see San Jacinto Battlefield and the Battleship Texas. He studied history and consequently so do I. 

On the deck of the Battleship Texas 1981

 

After working for a few banks in Houston like Sunbelt Savings, he moved back to the DFW area to care for his ailing parents and found a "J.O.B." at Lomas Mortgage. He was happy working there and living in Grapevine in his parents Mobile Home. Not your ordinary mobile home to be sure-- those of you who saw it know what I mean-- he had it beautifully decorated and landscaped...

My closest friends who got to meet and know him can tell you of his famous patio parties. Always friendly to neighbors, it was a small porch off the side of a mobile home packed to capacity on weekend nights. Good times...

To say Dad was a smoker is an insult to smokers everywhere. He took smoking to a new level. (Think Mad Men circa 1963 but this is 2012.) He was terrified to be caught somewhere he couldn't smoke a cigarette. I think once, on a plane, he may have eaten one.

I have so many good memories of my Dad. He wasn't always there for me physically,  but he was there in spirit. At least I like to think so. He used to say, "You only have one Mother and one Father in this world." He had such a way of cutting right to the sadness of life in one sentence and thereby forcing you to face your own reality. I've used his quotes many times to advise friends for good or bad.

 We always kept tabs on each other, he would call and remind me "Don't Forget About Your Ol' Dad!" 

I helped him every way a son could and towards the last 5 years... above and beyond the call of duty...

Dad never had a bunch of money but he looked like he did, and he certainly talked like he did. A lesson that can carry you far in life. 

He may not have been the model Father Figure, but he's still my Ol' Dad whom I love and wish well. Always...