Looking back did I you see a point in time when he let down a little and moved on from the fighter mentality or does he still carry it with him. How did he switch from the fighter pilot to husband and father when he was home?
Jennifer, greetings! Each of us have our own life experiences that kind of dictate our past beliefs. In that vein, Dad, I believe, was able to live normal at home. Yes, he was always pushing, especially in the sports he partook in. He also loved cars and spent time working on them along with taking us on trips when he was at home, which, in truth, was rare.
It was long after retirement when I actually got to know him as a person. At first, and for years after he retired, when he answered the phone: Colonel Solis. He was rigid in that regard. Hell, he was rigid in military protocol for a long time after he exited the Air Force. One evening, before I graduated high school, I'd been out later than I should have and when I pulled into the driveway, there he was. Hands on his hips, with his angry face, I knew I was in trouble. The amazing part, neither of my parents ever laid a hand on me growing up. Almost surreal. Especially when one looks at my school records. I'm not presenting falsehood when I mention how dumb I was as a kid. But Mom and Dad appeared to take it in stride. My nickname at home: Ritardo. I guess they just felt sorry for me.
These days, once a week, Dad, Barb, and I get together and drink a bottle of wine. We talk for a couple hours and then part. I also try to call him daily to ask how he's doing. I have learned more about him in those discussions than I ever did growing up. He no longer uses "Chico," just Roland. I find it sad to be honest. But, he's also more relaxed. We can talk to each other like grownups, and I no longer have to fear what I think he might do, even though he never did.
I guess the best way I can put it: As a kid, I feared him. As an adult, I have the utmost respect for him and what he did for a living. He is actually a lot of fun to be around. He's not perfect, but none of us are. In childhood, I failed both my parents. Today, I want to make amends and finally do what I should have done in youth: Be a good kid and get good grades! Only, I'm no longer a kid, nor able to go to school. Now that's an oxymoron! Thank you for reading and reaching out. I appreciate this more than you can understand. Regards!
Looking back did I you see a point in time when he let down a little and moved on from the fighter mentality or does he still carry it with him. How did he switch from the fighter pilot to husband and father when he was home?
Jennifer, greetings! Each of us have our own life experiences that kind of dictate our past beliefs. In that vein, Dad, I believe, was able to live normal at home. Yes, he was always pushing, especially in the sports he partook in. He also loved cars and spent time working on them along with taking us on trips when he was at home, which, in truth, was rare.
It was long after retirement when I actually got to know him as a person. At first, and for years after he retired, when he answered the phone: Colonel Solis. He was rigid in that regard. Hell, he was rigid in military protocol for a long time after he exited the Air Force. One evening, before I graduated high school, I'd been out later than I should have and when I pulled into the driveway, there he was. Hands on his hips, with his angry face, I knew I was in trouble. The amazing part, neither of my parents ever laid a hand on me growing up. Almost surreal. Especially when one looks at my school records. I'm not presenting falsehood when I mention how dumb I was as a kid. But Mom and Dad appeared to take it in stride. My nickname at home: Ritardo. I guess they just felt sorry for me.
These days, once a week, Dad, Barb, and I get together and drink a bottle of wine. We talk for a couple hours and then part. I also try to call him daily to ask how he's doing. I have learned more about him in those discussions than I ever did growing up. He no longer uses "Chico," just Roland. I find it sad to be honest. But, he's also more relaxed. We can talk to each other like grownups, and I no longer have to fear what I think he might do, even though he never did.
I guess the best way I can put it: As a kid, I feared him. As an adult, I have the utmost respect for him and what he did for a living. He is actually a lot of fun to be around. He's not perfect, but none of us are. In childhood, I failed both my parents. Today, I want to make amends and finally do what I should have done in youth: Be a good kid and get good grades! Only, I'm no longer a kid, nor able to go to school. Now that's an oxymoron! Thank you for reading and reaching out. I appreciate this more than you can understand. Regards!