FabSwingers.com forum: Happy memories of your dad

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thread inspired by Karen's loss.

I remember mine for teaching me good table manners in Chinese and western settings, how to behave in social gatherings, and to drink and play Mah-jong at a very young age, as he believed it would be beneficial to me when I grew up, and he was right.

I also remember him for his passion for food, from lowly street food to grand gourmet, and he inspired me to learn to cook, as I knew I could cook better than him.

Thanks Dad, for everything.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

So sorry to hear of Karen's loss! D has lovely memories of watching James Bond, getting married first time and P loved hiss dad reading the hobbit and loved doing it to his kids, loved the film now can't wait till December.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

God there's so many! My dad used to drive a big refrigerated van for work and I used to sit in the front with him and we would make Roadrunner noises because it was his favourite cartoon. I remember him always telling me to get my elbows off the table, making sure I always wore shorts under my short skirts and watching f1 on a Sunday. He took me to Speedway and I cried my eyes out because it was too noisy! I remember growing up listening to Eric Clapton and jimmy Hendrix. I used to fall asleep on his lap every night after he read the very hungry caterpillar, then he would carry me to bed. I miss him

This thread is gonna be one of those that has people balling! Lol x lovely idea though Pearl and hugs to Karen x

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By *umsuckMan
over a year ago

Gateshead

[Removed by poster at 02/01/13 11:04:49]

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By *umsuckMan
over a year ago

Gateshead

I adored my dad. So many memories I'm struggling to find one. Playing in the garden,going to footy on his shoulders,our first pint together. But I suppose my abiding memory was when he was seriously ill in hospital was that his first words wheneverr I visited was 'How's yous mum' Sums the man up.

My heart goes out to Karen at this sad time.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

My precious father, mentor and friend is still alive I am very happy to say. I have loads of happy memories of him, the smell of wood shavings, sitting on a little seat he made me for the cross bar of his bike feeling his strong arms either side of me as he cycled, holding his big work-hardened hand, laughing like mad, singing and dancing together, jiving with him at his granson's wedding.......I could go on.

I don't know the lady that has lost her father but I sincerely wish her peace and comfort.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I was not close to mine, as we lived thousands of miles apart since I was 14. His death did not come across as a surprise in 2005, as he was a heavy smoker and drinker.

And yes, I did shed a tear or two when I wrote the first post.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I lost my father suddenly on the 15th December 2005, his funeral was the 21st.

I have so many memories that I treasure and he made me the person I am today.

There are only 2 men in my life that I admire and have total respect for, my father is one of those.

Time does make it easier but still my father is never far from my thoughts and I still talk to him.

He was a very successful businessman and worked very hard, so I didn't see him that much when I was growing up but he retired early 8 years before his death and I saw a different side to him which I will always treasure.

I was a Daddy's little girl, I suspect many are the same.

R.I.P Karen's father.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Me and my dad have never been close. Reading this thread makes me sad that we are not closer.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My dad is still alive but my mother died a couple days before Xmas in virtually identical circumstances to Karens dad, we have both been messaging each other for support.

It's hard for me to produce a great memory as there was a family feud with my mother and myself and two sisters resulting in 15 years of non communication.

The communication between us all only started to heal a couple of months before her death.

I do remember once though, she was very much into her archeology, as a child I thought it was dull, but remember going once and found a roman coin, which I still have today (made it into a necklace for my daughter when she was born)

Rest in peace to Karen's dad, my mother, and to everyone else that has lost loved ones.

Xxx

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

It was my mother's dependence of my dad that inspired me to stand on my own two feet and not to be reliant on a man to support me.

They gave me a good start in life and a good education, of which I am eternally grateful.

It was his love of this country (he spent a brief period in England to study in his youth and had a great time) and decided to send me and my siblings over here for a better education.

I liked it here so much I decided to call it my home.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm from a large family ,never saw much of him in my childhood because he did two jobs to make ends meet.

But once I'd grown up we always went to footy games togeather and became really close, he passed away 18mth ago and we all miss his happy care free attitude to life.

He was always smiling and never forgot anyone's birthday .

(((Hugz))) to Karen xxx

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

[Removed by poster at 02/01/13 11:45:47]

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

Sadly none, but I had no bitterness towards him before his passing or now.

sleep well x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My dad was a fantastic man. He was a miner and worked hard all his life to ensure that we always had a nice warm home and plenty of food.

He didnt want my mum to work, and she wanted to stay at home to look after her children, so was always a hard worker. He always put us first.

I was a daddys girl, close to my mum too but for some reason my mum could stand up to my diva like tantrums. My dad couldnt so much, I only had to say, please dad and he gave in.

He bought me a pair of new shoes every other week. There was a little shop that sold gorgeous patent leather shiny shoes and I loved it. He took me every other Saturday and I had a new pair.

We had secrets too. I never told my mum that after shopping for shoes, we would go in the working mens club next door and my dad would have a pint. My mum didnt agree with children going into pubs or clubs but we were only in there for 30-45 mins so she never found out.

There are so many things that I took for granted, but now hes gone I can truly see how great a man he was

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By *kywatcherMan
over a year ago

Southwick

My dad Jim died twenty years ago tomorrow. A proud Eastender from Bow he was very rarely without a joke and liked to drink moderately - had lots of friends. The day before he died he watched Brighton beat Portsmouth in the FA Cup and then came to dinner with myself and then partner. We cooked him his favourite meal of sausages mash and cabbage and an apple crumble and custard for afters. I found him dead the next day at his flat. He died unexpectedly from a heart attack but he had had a good day before he died. Happy memories of dad

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My Dad was a lovely caring man who would help everyone ..He helped me so much over the years in doing loads for me and being there .. I could not ever think of life with out him... I lost him end of oct and so far there's not been a day i have not had a bit of a cry as i miss him ... I never new really what grieving a loved one was until this .

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By *o1mrtlcMan
over a year ago

cannock

Yes Jo i know what you mean as i lost my dad 6 years ago now and it was around xmas time so xmaas for us is never a good time now.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My Dad died suddenly in May 1979 at the sadly young age of 56.

I have thought about the OP's original question and, although I have many many happy memories of him, with the passage of time I would say that the overriding thing I learned from him came about from what I discovered about him after his death. And it is this..

There are some things in life you never expect an average person to be asked or expected to do. They can be potentially fatal, they can leave you permanently injured physically, mentally or emotionally. But you do them all the same. Why? Because they are for the greater good and for a cause even greater than yourself. You seek or expect no recognition for it, other than the fact that YOU know what you did, and that that is enough. And, where appropriate, you take the facts of what you did with you to the grave.

Call that humility if you wish. Call it self-effacing, modesty. Whatever.

But I consider myself damned lucky to have had a Dad like that.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Me and my dad have never been close. Reading this thread makes me sad that we are not closer."

Same here, though I was very lucky to have an amazing Grandad.

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By *enithWoman
over a year ago

closer than you think

Lost my dear 1st March 2001 unexpectedly from a heart attack.

So many memories, like standing on his feet as he waltzed around a dance floor and him trying so hard to get me swimming but I always sunk! lol

He is always in my heart and thoughts, love you Dad xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Me and my dad have never been close. Reading this thread makes me sad that we are not closer.

Same here, though I was very lucky to have an amazing Grandad."

My grandparents raised me as well. Wonderful people. Up till 7 years ago I had all 4 grandparents, I then lost 3 in just a few months... terrible time, but great memories of them all.

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By *heekychezzaWoman
over a year ago

warrington

We lost my darling dad through a fatal heart attack at Christmas 1995. My dad loved Christmas, so the whole family worked really hard to make sure that his passing did not forever sour the Christmas season - he would have hated that to happen. 17 years have passed but there's rarely a day goes by when I don't think about him - I have a vast store of very happy memories and we all talk about him often - he is very much part of my everyday life even though he is not physically here. Time does help ease the pain of losing him but the sense of loss is still as great. How much I miss him.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

My dad was a big card player in his younger days. I could play three card brag before i could play snap.

He used to sing all the old irish songs to us.

Every saturday night we would go to the working mens club. He was a grafter and always worked on the building. He was never without a days work.

He was a bit of a teddyboy and if he couldnt work because of the snow in the winter he used to take me to the cafe, this is when cafes where the in place and it had a back room with a jukebox, i must of been about 4 as i wasnt at school, and being a cute kid all the teddyboys used to give me money to put their songs on the jukebox.

We had a turbulant relationship as i got older but we had really built bridgs this last couple of years and this last year was our best year. We did some nice things together, i guess you could say we both had mellowed with old age. As everyone has always said, im my fathers daughter. Thats where the fiestiness came from.

Also my dad got through 75 years without being able to write. He wasnt a stupid man he devoured books but because of a serious accident when he was four he lost a lot of schooling and the provision wasnt there for him to catch up. He got by without ever having to write.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

In his youth, my dad was a keen badminton player, and he taught me how to play at his club just across the road from the family home of my youth.

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

Dear Dad,

This is what I am writing as I can never put into words what you mean to me... You are my strength.. You stood by me when everyone had walked away. As a child I remember you reading me Roald Dahl books with such passion. You have a distrubing and pretty grim childhood but you made sure mine was full of laughter..

I remember being at my lowest point in my life however without you I would be 6 ft underground.. You had faith in me and choose to be by my side. I am not sure what I am going to do when you pass but for now I will cherish every memory we can make and share..

Thank you dad for being my dad

Yours.... J xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've never had a strong male influence in my life. My father's father died when I was a very small child and my maternal grandfather died when I was in my early 20s but I never saw that much of him as we lived so far away. I haven't seen my own father for 20-odd years (he hasn't seen my siblings in that time either) so all I know about being a man is what I've had to find out for myself. I have no memories of a first pint with dad, football with dad, holidays with dad as he simply wasn't interested in his kids all those years ago. In many ways I try to be more of a father to my own kids than mine was to me, so that they will have the memories I don't have. I hope I'm doing a good job of it.

Blessed are you who have had a loving father and lost him for you are blessed with memories some of us will never possess. I envy you.

I wish eternal peace to all those dads who loved their children and touched their lives the only way a loving father can.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My dad was a singer too and in the army would sing .. and after was in clubs around uk , He was asked to go to USA but he had meet my mum and would not go .. most weekend we would be at some club me sitting at the back with my and crisps ... He won a singing show on TV too .. bit like X Factor in them days . But he was a man who could turn him hand to most things ... when something needed doing or needed fixing he would sort it or tell me what was needed ... He was a real family man he loved his family .And he would always tell me the truth no messing around ,I feel so lucky to have had him in my life .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i have nothing good to say about my dad.

so i cannot add anything to this thread.

sorry.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My dad was a very heavy smoker and drinker, spent more time at the bar than with his family sadly. He died 13 years ago on Friday 4th Jan. Though i have a few happy memories of his later life i only really have two from childhood. The first was when i wanted a fishing rod that i'd seen, i vowed to save my pocket money until i could afford it but after just two weeks he bought me it. I still have it!

The second was the one and only time he ever took me to the park to play football.

Gone but not forgotten. xxx

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By *ucsparkMan
over a year ago

dudley

I am lucky that my father is still around, he's gone though cancer and showed his face at the other side. I could write a library on what I have learnt from him. A few are always be sporting win or lose, family before breath. Defend what is right the cost is never to great. The most memorable thing he got told and passed on is a life is not over until every life that it as touched is gone. Long may our fathers live for to grow old with your offspring is a job worth waiting for. God bless you diamonds hope you have a better year.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

One of my dads favourate films was south pacific, i watched it with him when i was a kid, he looked just like one of the actors in it when he was young.

i liked that film too it reminds me of my dad.

he used to love music and there are lots of songs i like that makes me think of the good times we spent together.

We were close when i was little but when i grew up, not so close.

He died about 7 years ago and i still miss him though even though he could be a right grumpy old man.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i have fantastic memories of my dad, and especially with my two boys...teaching and playing, and all the laughs they had and how proud he was of them, and they now talk with so much pride about him and all the things they done....passed away 10 yrs ago but seems just like yesterday!

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

As most of you will know from the amount of times I post about him, I am very close to my dad. The thought of losing him terrifies me!

He can be a bit overbearing at times but it's only because he wants the best for his girls.

I wish I could repay him just a fraction of what he has done for me but I know I never could. Times like this, hearing of Karen's sad loss and reading some of your stories make me realise how truely blessed I am to have a dad (and a mum) as great as mine. It also makes me sad to hear of others who haven't had what I have but just from the little I know of you on here you seem to have turned out alright

Watching things like only fools and horses, Freddy Starr, etc always reminds me of my dad. He is a true east end geezer with more stories than waterstones and it doesn't matter that I have heard them all millions times, I love to hear them again and again!!

There was a Vodafone advert not long ago where a man receives a call in the middle of a speech, he takes it and its his daughter crying. He drops everything to go to her.....that's my dad! (Not actually my dad but it's what he would do)

I could blab on all day about my dad, instead I think I'll go and make him a cuppa x

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By *xodussxMan
over a year ago

sheffield

Mine was fantastic. Very strict when it come to respect and education. I couldn't mess with the law ( he was a police commissioner). His best quality after I got the green light to date was that he always welcome any girl I brought home as if she was the only one.we were so closed that when he passed away 6 years ago after a fantastic night with all of us before christmas I was lost. Some dads just got the power to make you feel good. May all of them rest in peace. For those who can still talk to their dads please enjoy every minute of it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

go to youtube and look up.

things my father said by black stone cherry.

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

"go to youtube and look up.

things my father said by black stone cherry."

Will it make me cry??? I'm very delicate today lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"go to youtube and look up.

things my father said by black stone cherry.

Will it make me cry??? I'm very delicate today lol "

possibly. great track from a great band

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have too many great memories of my Dad and I'm glad to say we're still making more.

Yes we're too similar at times and we clash a lot, but we still say I love you more than a lot of fathers and daughters.

My Dad is very well known locally, but I'm an only child so I'm the one person who has him as my Daddy

He's had many jobs in his life but in his 40s decided to head back to college and do what he's always wanted. He doesn't earn a lot, but he loves his job and seeing him happy makes me happy. This has encouraged me not to worry if things don't happen in the 'right' order.

When him and my Mum split up, he never gave up a chance to see me. He'd even take me to college and work with him if he had to, just so he could spend the precious time we had with me.

I love him more than I can ever tell him, but I know he knows exactly how I feel.

Karen, I can't even begin to imagine how you feel, but I hope your happy memories of your Dad will always outweigh the turbulent times.

Anyone who doesn't have a good relationship with their Mum/Dad/Son/Daughter, it's never too late to change that if it's what you both want xxx

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

My dad taught me the basic steps of Cha Cha Cha when I was very young.

He was quite westernised, and did not bat an eyelid when he realised I was never going to hook up with an oriental gent.

My mum on the contrary was far stricter compared to him.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

" Anyone who doesn't have a good relationship with their Mum/Dad/Son/Daughter, it's never too late to change that if it's what you both want xxx"

I could never wish or hope to see my dad again.

All I strive for now is to be the dad to my little boy that my father never was for me.

It's nice to read people's happy memories of there dads but sad to not have my own.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I had an unusual childhood in as much as my mum and dad had a pub and they were always working and I and my brothers wouldn't see a great deal of them. But (and I know it's a cliche) I really do have two of the best parents I could have ever asked for.

My Mum has Cancer and my Dad has bad arthritis,he's had to have a new knee and hip and Diabetes but I've never once heard them complain about the hand fate has dealt them. We all love em to bits and there will be be a huge hole when they're gone

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

" Anyone who doesn't have a good relationship with their Mum/Dad/Son/Daughter, it's never too late to change that if it's what you both want xxx

I could never wish or hope to see my dad again.

All I strive for now is to be the dad to my little boy that my father never was for me.

It's nice to read people's happy memories of there dads but sad to not have my own. "

My ex is exactly the same. Never wants to see his 'dad' again, but at least they've taught you both something, how to be a GREAT dad! So if anything, even if it's the only thing, you've got him to thank for that (and can imagine rubbing his nose in it!)

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By *coobyroo218Couple
over a year ago

Guernsey

Me and my dad where mates as well as father and son, I served my time as a carpenter with him and we worked mates right up until 4 years from his death, he got offered a job that he could not refuse which would have taken him to retirement, sadley he died 12 years ago this month from asbestosis and the young age of 57.

There is not a day goes by that I donot think of him in someway. Specially if I drop a bollock at work, i will think "that would have been another clip round the lug hole"

It was quite funny as come 8am and we started work I would call him by his name "Joe" then come 4.30 it would always revert back to "dad", people found this strange but like said we where "work mates" as well as father and son.

He hardly drank never seen him d*unk and he never smoked. but he was a great believer in when your numbers up its up.

He taught me so many things over the years, I cannot name one, we did so much together as well away from work, the odd pint, the good old chats, and the building things together.

Sadly missed every day, but never forgotten.

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By *edbagioMan
over a year ago

ripon

two yrs nearly since mine past on;

and think of him every day.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

" Anyone who doesn't have a good relationship with their Mum/Dad/Son/Daughter, it's never too late to change that if it's what you both want xxx

I could never wish or hope to see my dad again.

All I strive for now is to be the dad to my little boy that my father never was for me.

It's nice to read people's happy memories of there dads but sad to not have my own.

Wish I could say the story but I know how people's opinions can change so easily.

I am who I am through my mum who is my hero and through my own doing to.

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By *mm_n_ZedCouple
over a year ago

Fareham

Sending my condolences to Karen on the loss of her dad.

I miss my dad every day. The eldest of four daughters, my dad taught me how to wire a plug, to mend a puncture and catch a fish.

When I was three or four, he'd sing and dance around the room with me standing on the tops of his feet.

When I was five, he bragged to everyone that I was 'University material'. I left school and became a single teenage mother soon after but he was still as proud as punch.

When I heard he was dying of cancer in 2005, I enrolled at college, took four A levels in 1 year and got myself to University aged 42 - I prayed he'd last the three years of my course to see me graduate and prove to him that he'd been right all along and I was indeed 'University material'.

Sadly, he died in 2008 at the start of my third year and I still mourn the space in my photos where he should have been.

If you have a wonderful dad, treasure every moment with him.

Em x

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By *ummy mummyWoman
over a year ago

southampton-ish

My Dad died March 15,2007 and as I was 6 months pregnant with my twins I was not able to fly back to Canada. he had been fighting various cancers over 11 years and he knew he did not have much time left and made sure his wishes to not have a service until I could fly over which I did with all kids in tow when the twins were 6 months old.

My favorite memory was the last day of our visit when he went to canada after my son was born. I got a short video of my dad bouncing my then 3 month old son on his lap while singing "Little red caboose" a song he used to sing to me when I was a little girl.That was the last time I saw my Dad.So glad I thought to record it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If you have a wonderful dad, treasure every moment with him.

Em x"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I was very close to my dad. So im lucky in the fact i have so many nice memories. They range from going out in his truck. When i was little to him managing to make it through. The whole of my wedding day. While he was terminally ill. He taught me so much in life.

I miss him so much. That reading such a lovely thread. Has left me with tears in my eyes.

Big hugs to all.

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