Visit with my father

In January of 1989, I heard that my father was no longer drinking, so I called him and asked him if he would like a visit from us to meet his grandchildren, and he was thrilled. I had cut ties with him in 1979 and told him that I did not want him in my life until he stopped drinking. I was very surprised by his reaction to my children. He squeezed my daughter so hard that she told him he was hurting her. He just wanted to show them how much he loved them. I think it was his way of showing his regret for not showing affection to his children. It made me see him in a very different light. He passed away on April 19th, 1989, approximately 3 months after we saw him. He would have turned 65 on May 4th, 1989. It was bittersweet for me.

I finally got to see him in a different light, but my children would never get to know that side of him. It took me a very long time to forgive him for everything he put me and my family through.

I believe that he was part of my pre-set life plan for here on earth and was part of my life to teach me something. I’m still not sure what, but it made me stronger, and I thank him for that.