[Geek44]

Same here Bill.
The post above was basically a way of marking a 'new phase' in my relationship with my Dad's memory. Sure he had some hard stuff to deal with. I sometimes wish he had done better but it's really not for me to judge. At the time his alcoholism really peaked, I was around tweve or thirteen I guess. I was being bullied at school. I could have used a strong parent at the time. Having said all that, my parents' 'absence' made me what I am today and I'm glad for it all. Basically, if I had my whole life again from the start, I wouldn't change a single second. Despite trouble and strife, these days, when I look back, I marvel at how fortunate I've been. My Dad was a drunk but he was never violent toward me or my mother. If anything...it was my mother who wore the pants. It's the same in my own relationship. I don't really care for the pants...she can wear 'em if it's that important.
The best thing I can do is be better for my own kids.