My father Rudy, the grandfather or Papa of my children, died one year ago. As I said it then, and I write today, my father's passing was sudden, but by all means, no surprise.  Similarly, the first anniversary of his passing has come suddenly, but by no means comes as a surprise.  I also said back then, and I write today, that my father was by no means perfect, but he was my Dad and worthy of all the love, support, and respect that any child can given one's parents.  To that end, my prayer today is that my father knows that I still love, support, and respect him.

This blog is about my relationship with my children. I am certain that there are many parents, moms and dads, who could easily write a blog about their children for children are so integral to our lives. I cannot make blanket statements about parents in the 60s because I do not know every parent who lived in  the 60s, and the ones I do know, like my in-laws, are nothing like the parents I had. I always grew up knowing my parents loved and care for me. Yet, they did not go overboard expressing those thoughts. Although my mother would occasionally play with me and my siblings, my father made it very clear that he was our parent, not our playmate. I have a different relationship with my children. I have to work to set boundaries between my children and me. In some ways, my children may have a more difficult time showing me love and respect because of the blurred lines between friend and father. I have reconciled myself to the fact that the lines should be difficult to distinguish, yet it is still important to distinguish.  The point I am trying to make is my father saw his primary role as a parent was to provide his children with the basic needs of life and then some. My siblings and I always had enough food to eat, clothes to wear, and a shelter over our heads. We always had adequate medical care. I also got braces and part of my higher education paid. To that end, my dad did what he was supposed to do. Although I operate under a different set of rules with my children, my father was the parent he was suppose to be under the rules he believed applied to parents of his generation.

That being said, take care Dad. I miss you..

BTW, are you happy with your democrats now that they control Congress? Who are you rooting for President in 2008? Obama or Hillary?  Just wondering.  Let me know when convenient.   Your grandchildren miss you. Blair is often heard to say he misses his Papa. Paige too.