This was posted by a long-time family friend. The sentiments brought me to tears. I am a daughter of a Vietnam veteran. Being his daughter has not always been easy. Throughout my life, I have heard tales of the rambunctious, fun-loving, mischievous man he was during his youth. It is unfortunately, that period of his life, he was stripped of so many characteristics that made him who he was. He through the decisions and actions of others, was raped of all if his personal lifes future hopes and desires. He was called to a cause through no will of his own. He was given a task. He was forced to discard of self, to a cause illusioned as honorable. He as all others took action to preserve self but mostly others. Some of which, were spared brutality. Rather than being grateful spat on their selfless efforts. Regardless, were the cause to be respectable, honorable or even just; the actions taken by the men and women who serve, were/are. And then some! Unbeknownced to most, my Father is an amazingly tender man. Who through the tortures endured, was forced to mask these perceived vulnerabilities. They have been buried within a permanent unpenetrable fortress. I have never truly known many intimacies shared only through the interactions of a Father and his daughter. A most envious exchange, for my sisters and I, have not had the Father he would have and could have been. But, I am not bitter. Rather I am honored. He has in his every action in life, put the well-being of others above himself. Been an unwavering pillar to those he loves. Even when it has not been seen. He may not have lavished words of adoration and praise which imbedded amorous feelings. He managed to acheive a bond which is far greater and runs much deeper. He is not a man of merely word. It is in his actions. The only thing that dwells deeper within him, than love is fear. Fear not for himself, rather of the sting that comes from the pains of those he loves. Fear of not being able to protect them. As to many who can protest, my Father has always been a great protector. An action so many of us that know him...have far too often abused and taken for granted. To show gratitude toward those who have served is a duty my sisters and I always honor and respect. No one knows the severe sufferings endured by each man. But, to show those who have endured such with disdain is blasphemous, indeed. I am a better woman and all around person for being my Fathers daughter. I thank God for and pray for those who have served.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 17:04:32 +0000
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