mate i was just being cheeky. My dads problems became recognised when i was 16 (i think it was) and he stopped working about then too. dads service isn't what makes him it's part of him. the best bits of dad are the ones i prefer to keep in my memory. the bad stuff is there but accepted. my dads a top bloke and he's also someone who just gets me. he understands me and he loves me. and the best bit he's bloody proud of me. and believe me the feeling is mutual. he stopped scaring the shit out of me a while ago. he's not the same dad i grew up with but i tell you he's my dad.

i don't blame my dad for everything in my life, i don't blame anyone to be honest. i understand the parties respnsible but i can't hate stupid people because they are stupid. the media has a lot to answer for, and the education system. my dads service is still taboo and people his age that i speak too still give funny looks when i talk about him but whatever. i'm proud of my dad and all of the servicemen no matter where they went or where they go as they are serving they're country. they're sacrifice (this has many meanings and it's not just the fatal one i refer to here) is what makes them something to be proud of.

the thing is that needs to be remembered out of all of it there were times when he was a scary man. and there are methods of rearing children that he had that weren't exactly what you'd call the best. a red bum and a sore head was had by all three of us older siblings the youngest two don't really know. i'm the oldest of the five kids and i was also one of the first to turn around and tell dad that it was okay. it's not all his fault.

My dad knows i love him i tell him everytime i speak to him, (he lives in syd, i live in Melb) and he knows full well that his eldest bubby girl is always there for him and that to me is all that matters. helps i'm cheeky.

 out of  found this valuable. Do you find this valuable?