Hip Hip Hooray It's Father's Day

So, I don't exactly have the most fondest memories of my father. I wish I had known him when this picture was taken. I love the bow tie, the pipe in his mouth, and whatever is in the background.  My father spent several years of his life in Germany working for the Army. He had taken lots of pictures of his trips he had taken, and they were all preserved on slides. 2 or 3 years ago I put those slides on to my computer. He had pictures of France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and I am sure that he went to Switzerland. It seemed like a post war romantic era with lots of smoking, big band music, men wearing hats and driving sports car. My father had a Porsche convertible. Traveling Europe and enjoying life. He never really talked about his past. He never talked about working for Aerojet /NASA. I just remember him discussing paying attention to instructions. Some man had not read the new procedures for a missile that was being tested....it exploded right in front of him. I suppose that some experiences you just don't want to be reminded of again. He never talked about his family, his service in the Navy, or Europe with me. I suppose my father just didn't think I cared enough. He passed away in 1988. I was 20 years old, and quite immature for my age. It's when I thought that parents lived FOREVER. My father had pancreatic cancer...and no parents do not live forever.

I miss my dad. I miss all the experiences that we could have shared together. I missed all the conversations that we never had about his adventures in Europe or working with the Astronauts at NASA. He had an amazing life that he just never shared with anyone. I am pretty sure that he talked about his life with friends. He was just never one to brag. He was like me...loud, funny, and drop in anytime kind of guy. I can't tell you how many times my father would just drive up to a house....go to the front door and see if one of his friends were home. It made no difference if they had company over..my dad just dropped by. People LOVED him for that. He was a honest man and well respected. I just wish I knew someone that could tell me more about him....before he married my mom. My father would have been in his late 80's...so that makes it pretty impossible to find anyone now.

Happy Father's Day Ralphie ! Miss Ya !