This board made me think...

[dc chopper]

After seeing the postings about people losing their parents, I started telling my dad I love him. I know he knew I did, I always tell my mom but hardly ever did for him. I know how he feels about me and when I went through my divorce 2 years ago, that was the first thing he told me, first time I could remember him saying that since I was a kid. I would have never made it through without my family, especially my parents. It has set in , the mortality of my parents life. It really hit me last year because dad can't fish for more than 4 hours or so now. he will just sit his rod down and wait for me. I usually will make some excuse about being too hot, fish aint biting or my back hurts so we can leave, I don't want him to feel bad about leaving. I can fish anytime but it's that important to fish with him. So, if you haven't told your dad or mom how you feel, let them know! It will mean the world to them... and you, we're not promised tomorrow.

[Chubminnow]

Excellent thought you've brought to the board, it probably hits home to a lot of guys, I know it does me.

[mhall]

What an awesome post. Best on this board in a long long time. You've got it figured out my friend, carry on.

[DJD]

Excellent post! My Dad went through alot of health issues last year and I told my Dad I loved him because he was touch and go for a few days. I realized that I never told him that and when he was able to understand what I was saying I told him and it made us both cry. As men we hold alot of that stuff in but not anymore. Heck, now my Mom says it too me all the time. It's good stuff.

[steemer1]

I took my Dad to Lake Cumbeland last year in April and that was the best trip I have had in years. We are going back this April for four days and I can't wait. My Dad has several health issues and has a hard time getting in and out of the boat. It is great just spending the time with him.

[colonelmeyer]

Great post, very thoughtful. We had a similar revelation due to family issues a few years back that made my pack realize and admit to one another just how much we mean to each other. Turned those frowns upside down real quick and really improved the quality of our relationships and ability to communicate with one another rather than simply growling or purring. The old man can still sit in a boat for a fair time when its warm but decades of bone grinding work and responsibility (being a MAN) are starting to cut into his water fouling time. Sad to watch but sure does make you appreciative of the sacrifices that now show through all to clear in his creaky knees and sore back. I still like to get after him about his gray hair, he he.

[SINK-OR-SWIM]

Me and my dad always said we loved each other after seeing each other or after having phone conversations. In July 2007 he was diagnosed with brain cancer and did not have any symptoms. He passed away 5 short months later in December of 2007. I am blessed that we had a good relationship and he passed with nothing left unsaid. It has made it easier for me to deal with and get through this terrible loss. For years we kept saying we would go fishing together as we did when I was a kid on Lake Cumberland. Due to both of our jobs we never got that chance. I guess if there was any regret that would be the one. So if your son or anyone for that matter wants to go fishing with you, make the time and go. Now when I am on the water I go by myself and think of my dad. I feel at peace and close to him when I am fishing. Thanks for starting this post, I now feel better!

[Shimano4Life]

Great post! Guys, spend as much time with them as you can.....I lost my father back in 2001. I was 21 years old at the time, and he was only 54 years of age when he lost his battle with cancer. There have been alot of things in the past 8 years that I would have loved for him to be present. In my mind, I know he was there...looking down from heaven. Don't ever take your parents for granted.....life is a fragile thing.

Shimano4Life

[stratosjoe]

Great Post , I have been thru the loss of my Dad wish we could go one more time ...Thanks for the post

[zx150]

DC great post. As many of you know I just lost my Dad Friday and it still hurts, real bad. We both said and knew we loved each other. He was at my house just a few hours before he died, I wish I would have told him one last time. But I figured I could just call him up in the morning and chat like we always did.

One thing I almost always did was to talk to my parents every day. Most of the conversations were hey, what's going on type of stuff. But I would not trade those for anything.

THANKS FOR ALL THE POST AND PRAYERS!

[dmase]

Good for you man. I lost both of my parents in the last 2 years and let me tell you life is different without them.
You always take them for granted and that they will alway's be around.After they are gone, you find yourself wanting to talk to them about your lifes bug bites but they are gone and really,there is no one else. Take the time and treasure them while you can brother.

[leakinwader]

Excellent post. Shows how folks learn as they grow.
I lost my Dad in 1987 to cancer. He was 49, I was 18. I was still going through the FTW phase, and Dad wasn't brought up to say I love you. He left home at 12 yrs old to make his own way, brought up REAL "old school". May have, but never remember either of us saying I love you. After years of growing up, I tell Mom, my Stepdad (helluva guy), and all my family that I love them every chance I get. You honest to Lord, don't know what you have until its gone. I envy the folks that didn't have the hard head I did when growing up. You really dont know your family or anyone, until you get past the insecurities.