Reflections, Dad 1962

Reflections -

Dad found this pic in one of his boxes locked away like most of his memories of the Vietnam War and his 18 year career with the Special Forces. Slightly damaged, but still looking good for a picture that is over 45! years old, I photoshopped it back to good health. (There must be a metaphor in here somewhere)

When I see this picture, I am reminded that there are very few pictures of my Dad in his youth, due to the fact that most if not all were 'misplaced' during his 18 months as a P.O.W. (1966-1968) [his belongings or personal effects were shipped back to the States and G*D only knows where they are now].

Coupled this with the fact that his family suffered a fire when he was 16 or 17 years old where they lost EVERYTHING. So there are very few pictures of him prior to the fire and Vietnam.

The hope of finding any remaining items in tact is a bit like hunting for buried treasure, and with each passing year as the Aunts, Uncles and his generation of "Adult" cousins get older these items are harder and harder to find.

As I look at him at 22, at the beginning of his career as a warrior and patriot, I see the hope, self determination, swagger, atitude, and self assuredness that youth provides. I also see myself (and my brother Dale), as my family would attest.

Some where in this young man is the father (and teacher) that I have come to know and love, a young man that soon after his entering into battle would soon be changed forever.

I am amazed at his will, strength and perserverance for those experiences would have surely broken a weaker man.

For each struggle that I have to endure, for each obstacle that I have to overcome, for each problem that I feel may be too hard to solve, I reflect upon his experience and life and it all seems moot. His lessons (and mistakes) continue to endure, and re-confirm themselves.

Thanks Dad for giving me the "Tools for Life".