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| Archie Patterson Buie, Jr. |
Today is my Dad’s 89th birthday. Though he has
been gone for two years I still find “celebrating” his birthday without him
more than a bit painful/sad.
I miss him as much now as I did when he took off without us.
Not that I/we don’t have good times remembering anecdotes about him because we
do, lots of them, and I must say it does help to think that he’s making up for
lost time somewhere, flying fast jets, catching huge bass, snorkeling for blue
crabs, and messin’ around with some unsuspecting woman.
In spite of PTSD, survivor’s syndrome, multiple divorces and
other of life's negatives, he did enjoy himself. He left behind many whom he loved, and who loved him. What more can one ask for?
For me, he was one of the bravest men I've known. He was also a “hard-headed cuss” that
life had to “kick upside the head” every once in a while-or more often-to get
him to pay attention.
So today, on his birthday, my celebration is about loving the man who was/is my
father and all that he was and all that he gave to me.
Today is about being thankful for who I am because Archie Buie was my father.
I love you Dad. Fly high and catch a big one for me…
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| Korea, fighter pilot |
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| Married to my mom |
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| With all his kids in the 1960's |
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| With all his kids all grown up in the 2000's |
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| Our "flower child" father. |
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| Proud grandfather with co-grandfather |
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| Happy times at Christmas |
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| In his last year 2012/13 |
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| Thank you Dad, for everything. |
Hi Lisa - absolutely wonderful story line - and definitely Happy Birthday to Archie ... wherever he may be, no doubt still enjoying all his jaunts. Wonderful photos ... and that flower-power one is a classic! Fantastic ... here's to those many happy memories you all have - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilary. I love when you drop by. People used to ask me if my Dad was an Native American when he looked like this!
DeleteI'm sorry you can't celebrate with him. He sounds like a character.
ReplyDeleteOh he was that all right!
DeleteOne of the toughest times growing up is the day you learn your parents aren't perfect. But even with their quirks and blemishes, we still love them.
ReplyDeleteYour dad sounds like an interesting, heroic guy.
Hugs, Lisa.
So right Melissa. I think it's a good lesson in forgiveness and being humble...
DeleteI love that you still remember him on his birthday like this. Keep him always in your heart, Lisa :) Thanks for sharing his story!
ReplyDeleteThanks Randi, for the thoughts. It isn't hard to come up with memories to write about him.
DeleteWhat a wonderful tribute! Thank God for memories and photos. Happy Birthday to him in that great airfield in the sky.
ReplyDeleteSo right! Thanks Lori!
DeleteGreat memories Lisa. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Birthday Archie
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo. I was glad also that my mum was here to share the day with me.
DeleteHappy birthday to your father. He was a great American.
ReplyDeleteIs that the headstone the VA provides? Just curious.
Yes John, it is. They were wonderful about it. We had to provide the granite (cemetery regulations) but they provided the plaque. I thought they did a great job on it. Thanks for coming by...
DeleteYour dad sounds like an amazing guys and this post was so beautiful. I am sorry for your loss, but it is wonderful that you keep him alive through your memories. Great pictures of him through the years!
ReplyDelete~Jess
Thanks Jess. I appreciate your comments. I love looking through and picking out photos of him!
DeleteLoving someone all your life is a hard habit to break. I like to think loved ones are never far away. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Elements of Writing
A wonderful tribute, Lisa. Just the kind of guy I'd love to hear stories from. :)
ReplyDeleteAw! What sweet words. It doesn't matter how early or late in life you lose them, it's always hard when these anniversaries roll around. Sending cheese your way!
ReplyDeleteI had a tear or two with this one. I loved my dad tons and miss him daily. I can see that yours had a long one with all the twists and turns that long life bestows. Wonderful tribute.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like he was a very pleasant person.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry he's no longer with you but this was a beautiful tribute. I love his long hair! He sure sounds like he was an amazing man.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyable life with hard working. PTSD
ReplyDelete