98 Comments
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JessInverted's avatar

Such a thoughtful tribute. Thank you for sharing this. I'm a military veteran and volunteer as an American Legion Honor Guard. I've participated in dozens of veterans' funerals with military honors. Reading about the significance to you of your father being draped in the flag made me realize how meaningful that gesture is to the families of veterans.. Until I read your piece I guess the poignancy of it really didn't hit home. You're such a talented writer, Sasha.

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Trapped in IL's avatar

God bless you for what you do. I’ll always remember the Military honors at my father’s funeral. It was a beautiful and meaningful sendoff to a beautiful man. Thank you.

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Heyjude's avatar

Thank you for the wonderful work you do. As a family member of someone who received this tribute, it meant more to us than you can imagine.

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Mary Anne's avatar

Both my parents were buried with Military honors it meant so much to me & my siblings, an unforgettable tribute. Thank you so much for what you do.

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Slamy's avatar

I think the “I am your boss, this is champagne, Merry Christmas” line is from Johnny Got His Gun.

Happy Father’s Day to the dads out there. Sending love to the kids missing their dads.

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Eric Root's avatar

Touching. Some things are obvious - Sasha Stone is a great writer.

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Skenny's avatar

And, a great Daughter.

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Claudia Russell's avatar

Beautiful testimony! You have made your Dad very proud by taking the best of him and sharing it with all of us. Thank you.

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Theresa's avatar

That last photo slayed me. Your honesty slays me, too.

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Heidi Kulcheski's avatar

Lovely tribute!

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sherronkilgore@yahoo.com's avatar

Thank you for letting me hear your thoughts and how you made sense of your Father.

I also have made sense of my Dad; his pain and troubles spilled out all over me but I get it :)

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George Christian Ortloff's avatar

What a terrible thing it is being (mis?)diagnosed. When I worked as a mentor in a residential behavior-modification program, one of the men had been diagnosed as "schizophrenic" as a kid, in school, in the inner city somewhere. I'm convinced that he was misdiagnosed. I got to know him very well. It angered him that, whenever any question arose, the counselors referenced his "schizophrenia." Of course, when he expressed his anger, that, too, was seen as a "disorder." I haven't seen him in nearly six years, but I pray for him every day. Thanks for mentioning your dad's case. Sad world we live in where "experts" define us, and we're stuck with it.

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Casey Jones's avatar

Your dad's daughter loved him. My daughter loves me. Every day is father's day.

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David Rodeback's avatar

A beautiful tribute, thank you. Also a valuable example of remembering and treasuring a person for what he did best, his best moments and attributes, rather than dwelling on his worst. If that perspective could be contagious, it would change the world.

For what it's worth, the interview on YouTube now has one like: mine.

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William C Carlson's avatar

Brilliant. I wrote this about my dad.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad! He is the great-grandson, grandson, and son of Minnesota farmers. An American patriot who spent 43+ years in public service. A Vietnam veteran with 23 years in the US Air Force and twenty years delivering US Mail. A strong Christian, Elder, and role model in his church. A father to three rowdy boys. I’m the luckiest son in the world!

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csturak's avatar

This is beautiful, my friend. No surprise there.

My favorite repeat joke of Gene’s: Cantaloupe, but honeydew you love me?

I can hear it intoned in his laid back voice as clearly as if he were here.♥️

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steven t koenig's avatar

I sure hope one (or all!) of my kids will say such nice things about me (in spite of my faults) when I'm gone

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JBell's avatar

I will say one now ........ I enjoy your sense of humor and the witty comments!

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Brandy's avatar

This was absolutely beautiful 😍

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Dido Miranda's avatar

Your dad was handsome.

Thank you for all the words you shared, Sasha.

God bless you and your family!

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Jen Todd's avatar

Sasha, you are so lovely in how you share your humanity. It's always enjoyable to read your honest takes on the good and the bad things of life.

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