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The photo you see above is of my mother and father.

I have no idea when this was taken because I wasn’t even born yet, but my parents look to be about in their early 30’s at the time.

Weren’t they a handsome couple?

My father was one of those guys who everyone loved to be around because he was vivacious, a great story-teller, and would never say anything negative about anyone.

He believed that if you couldn’t say anything nice about anyone, don’t say it.

My father was an incredible business man because he never approached his occupation as a job. Everyday, he went to his office with a smile on his face and whistle on his lips, and a sincere desire to service his clients with integrity and humor.

He was one of the most amazing salesman because he had a soft and gentle way of offering his goods and then standing back; allowing his clients to make their own decision on whether they wanted to purchase or not. No pressure. Nine times out of ten, his clients fell in love with him, therefore they WANTED to purchase from him.

My father was successful because he was honest. And people could feel that.

If you ever wanted to make my father mad, LIE to him. He couldn’t tolerate being lied to. He would much rather his kids tell him the truth than lie about something because he respected that. In fact, if we told him the truth, we never got punished. But if we did….HEAVEN HELP US.

My father was a total optimist. He always believed that things would work out for the best.

My father was a very generous and loyal man, giving aid to anyone in need. He had a very soft, child-like heart that unfortunately got crushed many times because he believed that all people were sincere when they needed help, but discovered that even family members could be good bullshit artists. He finally learned this lesson much later in his life; being very disappointed in himself for not realizing it sooner.

But you see, he always gave unconditonally and with love. So they are the ones now living with regret; disappointed in themselves.

Yes, I’ve learned a lot from my father. Things that I’m still learning.

I’ve learned that in order to be successful in business, I must serve with integrity.

I’ve learned to be optimistic; knowing that things will always work out for the best.

I’ve learned that if I can’t say anything nice about anyone, don’t say it.

(um…that‘s one I‘m not very good at)

I’ve learned that honesty is the best policy.

And I’ve learned that if I give to someone and they bullshit me…well then, the shit only comes back and lands in their face.

So thank you, Dad. You taught me a lot.

You were a great father. And a great muse.

I love you, Daddy-O!

Happy Father’s Day to all you wonderful men out there. Please know how important you are in your children’s lives. And how you touch them in ways they will remember with love. Always!



Note: This will be my one and only post this week because I’ll be extremely busy at work - UGH! After today, I won’t be online much, so please forgive me. I will see all you ladies and gents next Monday. Have a great week! X

52 comments:

  1. What a great tribute to a fantastic man! The photo of your parents is absolutely beautiful. No wonder you are such a handsome man with a fab personality, Ron! We'll miss you this week!

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  2. Ron, just a wonderful tribute to your dad. He comes from the old school where your word and a handshake were good enough. Integrity and honor are a lost art these days, and it's great to know that he passed those atributes onto you. I can tell you are proud of him, and rightfully so.

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  3. Yes, they were a good looking couple. Your dad sounds like an incredible man!

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  4. Loved this post, Ron. I reckon you turned out to be just like your Dad ... handsome and with a terrific personality. I can respect a man like that. I didn't realise it was your father's day... I think our's is next week. Hope you have a successful and happy week.

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  5. Hey, Ron, this is an excellent post. I think your parents are a beautiful couple. And your dad sounds like a great guy. Optimism and honesty are two of the most valuable things you can have in this life. This is a very moving and insightful tribute and I'm sure you made your dad very proud. Have a great week!

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  6. They were a handsome couple indeed!

    Your father sounds a LOT like my father. He taught us all the same values. Did he sometimes get abused because of it? Possibly, but he never wavered in his integrity and good manners.

    Have a great week, albeit a busy one :)

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  7. That's a lovely photograph of your parents.

    You know you are the image of your Dad don't you?

    Your Dad sounds like a wonderful person Ron and he taught you a lot of valuable lessons.

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  8. Good Morning Bijoux~

    Thank you, dear lady.

    I know if you had ever met my dad, you would have loved him. He had a wonderful warmth about him, that truly made others feel immediately comfortable in his presence.

    Much thanks for stopping by today! Have a faaaaaaaabulous week. I'll miss ya too!

    X

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  9. Hiya Matty~

    " He comes from the old school where your word and a handshake were good enough. Integrity and honor are a lost art these days..."

    OMG...you said it, buddy! Integrity and honor are a lost art these days. I try very hard to emulate his way of doing business because it truly makes for long-standing and loyal customers.

    You would have really enjoyed hanging out with him because he was a HUGE Phillies fan!!!!!

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a wonderful week and a Happy Father's Day!

    X

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  10. Good Morning SuziCate~

    Thank you, dear lady.

    My father was a great muse. I miss him, especially around this time of the year.

    Have a wonderful week. And thank you for stopping by!

    X

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  11. Good Morning Valerie~

    Aw....thank you, dear lady.

    You would have LOVED him!

    My father left me with a great legacy. Honor, loyalty, integrity and humor.

    Actually, this post is a bit early. Father's Day here is on Sunday, but since I won't be posting the rest of the week, I wanted to wish all the gentlemen a Happy Father's Day.

    Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week. See ya next Monday!

    X

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  12. Hey Rob~

    Thank you for your kind words, my friend.

    "Optimism and honesty are two of the most valuable things you can have in this life."

    You said it!

    I think you and I are close to the same age, therefore I know you understand how it was back then. And like Matty shared...."Integrity and honor are a lost art these days."

    I think of my father every day while I'm at work, and try very hard to do business by his standards.

    Thank you for stopping by, Rob. Have a super week!

    X

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  13. Hey there Babs~

    Thank you. My parents really complimented one another. Not only in appearance, but more so in the way they raised us kids.

    "Your father sounds a LOT like my father. He taught us all the same values. Did he sometimes get abused because of it? Possibly, but he never wavered in his integrity and good manners."

    Same with my father. He was strict about his values, but I wouldn't have had it any other way because I see now that he taught me values that really count.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Always great to see your comments!

    Have a wonderful week and I'll see ya next Monday!

    X

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  14. Good Morning Akelamalu~

    Thank you.

    Yes, it's funny because whenever my dad and I were together, people would always say...."I can tell you're Frank's son!"

    I look like my dad, and yet have my mother's coloring. She was light and fair. My dad was darker like a typical Italian.

    Thank you for stopping by, m'dear! I'm sooooooooooo glad you're back! I can't wait to hear about your trip!

    Have a great week and I'll see you next Monday!

    X

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  15. this is beautifully written Ron
    your father's expression in the top photo tells of a sweet happy man
    and he's very handsome too :)

    don't work too hard

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  16. Hi Lady Dianne~

    "your father's expression in the top photo tells of a sweet happy man.

    and he's very handsome too."

    Thank you, dear lady.

    I know without a doubt if you had both met, you would really like and enjoy one another.

    Oy!...I've got a lot of hours scheduled this week at work. Happy for the hours, but not looking forward to "Does this come with a bag?"

    Bwhahahahahahahahahaha!

    Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful week. And aren't you LOVIN' this cooler weather???

    X to you and the gang!

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  17. So your dad, in a sense, was like one of Snow White's dwarfs: he whistled while he worked. That's awesome. If everybody approached their work the way he did, the world would be a better place. I'm convinced of that.

    What a thoughtful and loving tribute, Ron!

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  18. What a beautiful post. This made me cry because reading it, I thought I was reading about my own father.

    No wonder we turned out so awesome!

    Chrissy (I still can't log in to comment!)
    xoxo

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  19. I love your Dad! Can I have him? They just don't make many dads like that any more. They don't make people like that any more.

    Can you tell I'm a cynic?

    A lovely tribute to a lovely man, Ron.

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  20. Howdy Mark~

    "So your dad, in a sense, was like one of Snow White's dwarfs: he whistled while he worked. That's awesome."

    HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA! OMG, that was brilliant, Mark! I've gotta tell my mom that when I talk to her the next time!

    "If everybody approached their work the way he did, the world would be a better place. I'm convinced of that."

    Thank you for your sweet and kind words, buddy. And thank you for stopping by!

    HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO YOU....YOU WONDERFUL DAD!

    Have a great week!

    X

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  21. Hello Anonymous/Chrissy~

    HA!

    So glad you were able to figure a way to comment. One of my other blogging friends is having the same issue. Don't ya just LOVE Blogger?????

    "This made me cry because reading it, I thought I was reading about my own father."

    ((((( You ))))))

    Ya know, I was thinking of you while I was writing this post because I know how close you felt to your father, and how much you loved him.

    Thanks for stopping by, girl! Have a great week and I'll see ya next Monday!

    X to you, Bern, Millie and Vinny

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  22. Hola Margaret~

    "I love your Dad! Can I have him?"

    HA! You would have LOVED him!

    "They just don't make many dads like that any more. They don't make people like that any more.

    Can you tell I'm a cynic?"

    HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA! No, you're not a cynic, just being honest.

    Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet words, dear lady. Muchly enjoyed and appreciated!

    Have a faaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  23. what a beautiful passage, your father was truly an angelic figure for us to learn from! i'm not so good with hiding my emotions from those close to me. he indeed sounded like someone i won't mind hanging about! the world really need a few more with these beautiful personality, for we are so lack of it!

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  24. Greetings Levian~

    "what a beautiful passage, your father was truly an angelic figure for us to learn from!"

    Thank you, my friend. He taught me A LOT.

    "i'm not so good with hiding my emotions from those close to me."

    Yup, me neither!

    "he indeed sounded like someone i won't mind hanging about!

    Oh, you would have loved him. He made everyone feel so comfortable and at ease in his presence.

    Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet words, Levian. Muchly appreciated!

    Have a wonderful week and I'll see ya next Monday!

    X

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  25. Boy. That made me stop and stare. Not just at the photos, but at the words.

    What can I say about my father?

    He was an abusive alcoholic that was absent even when he was present?

    He was my dad. And I loved him like no other.
    He tried to parent in a time where waking up to face another day was horribly difficult. He did the best he could given where he was. He couldn't get past his own grief and loss despite the battles he waged with them.
    He just was where he was.

    No one could say anything 'bad' about my dad. They knew their faces would be ripped off if they did. He was all I had. And if I couldn't make it 'look good' for the folks around me, I'd lose him, too.

    He didn't have to hang on to me--he could have let others assume the parent role in my life as the other kids fled to make that happen. But he hung on to me. And I think we were each others' lifeline--cuz we were all we had.

    Amazingly, I loved my dad like no other. Still do. There's not a photo that I possess of him that doesn't contain a bottle of booze in it and that sad look in his eyes.
    But I understood, even then--it's just where he was. And you can't put someone where they're not. Not aa a child. Not as an adult.
    He had his journey to make and he came through the other side after 11 years--and saw some foreign thing called happiness when he met and married my step-mother.

    4 years later, I buried the man.... And I learned how very very very loved I was.
    He'd been unable to say to me how special I was, how getting through the day to BE a parent to me got him to HERE...where he'd had a chance to actually LIVE life instead of existing in it.
    Sometimes you don't GET to know the value you've brought into another person's life.
    I got that gift.

    I loved my dad beyond beyond. Believe it or not discovering that gifted me a thousand fold. He helped me get that chance to actually LIVE life instead of just existing in it. He gave me hope at a very moment in time when I had none. And today I have a life because of that.
    I cannot think of a greater gift he could have bestowed me with.

    I'm enamoured by the gifts your father has bestowed upon you--the gentleness and openess of those eyes say mountains. Your words only magnify that.
    You've been graced in ways you're yet to discover.
    But it happened like that for me as well.

    I trust more will be revealed....just as it will be for me.

    ((((((((( Ron )))))))))))

    (I did warn you wayyyyyyyyyyy back that I AM the wordy one!)

    Love ya man!!

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  26. Hiya Mel~

    Thank you, dear lady. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your comment with such openness and honesty.

    ((((( Mel ))))))

    I got very teary-eyed while reading your words, but not out of sadness, no. But because of this....

    "I loved my dad beyond beyond. Believe it or not discovering that gifted me a thousand fold. He helped me get that chance to actually LIVE life instead of just existing in it. He gave me hope at a very moment in time when I had none. And today I have a life because of that.
    I cannot think of a greater gift he could have bestowed me with."

    You were able to SEE the gift he DID give you. And to me, that's one hell of an AMAZING gift!

    I love my father more than anything, however you've read posts that I've shared in the past years about how our relationship was not all smooth sailing. We definitely had some rough times, especially when it came to my birth mother's death. But it was through those times (like the times you had with your father), that we healed. We forgave.

    I too learned how much I was loved. And how much I loved him.

    Isn't it something how no matter what our upbringing was....we always remember the LOVE!

    Thank you again, for sharing your comment Mel. I enjoyed every wordy word of it!!!!

    (((((( Mel ))))))

    Love ya, woman!

    X

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  27. Oh and I have to let you know that I tweeted one of your life lessons with a link back to you as well. Hope you survive your busy week!

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  28. Hellooooooo Katherine~

    Thank you, my friend!

    (((( You )))))

    And my father would be very happy to know that one of his lessons was being TWEETED - HA!

    Thanks for stopping by, Katherine. Have a fantabulous week!

    X

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  29. Ron, lovely photo of your parents. Yes, they did make a handsome couple.

    And what a wonderful man your father was. I know he reads this and glows!

    Touching post.

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  30. Hola Denise~

    Always fab to see you, girl!

    Thank you. Weren't they a dapper couple?

    Thank you for your sweet words. They touched me deeply.

    Have a wooooooonderful week!

    X

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  31. "If you couldn’t say anything nice about anyone, don’t say it" Your dad had it all together. How precious to learn about him. He raised a wonderful son!

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  32. OK... Yours and Mel's exchange got me. It was beautiful and eloquent and you are both so lucky to recognize the gifts you were given. Too many people or too quick to place blame rather than search for the ultimate gifts they were given.

    AND I see where you get your good looks. Both of your parents are incredibly good looking!

    I can feel the love you have for your dad in your words. Love you buddy!

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  33. Bonjour Susu~

    "If you couldn’t say anything nice about anyone, don’t say it" Your dad had it all together. How precious to learn about him."

    Yes, he certainly did. And that's one I'm STILL learning - HA!

    Thank you for stopping by and for your sweet words, my friend!

    Have a glorious week!

    Ciao.....X

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  34. Hiya Peg~

    Wasn't Mel's comment wonderful? It truly got me too! She's an awesome lady, and one who I've been blogging with for almost four years now. Love her!

    "Too many people are too quick to place blame rather than search for the ultimate gifts they were given."

    I agree, and it was through my father's passing that I learned that. His intentions were ALWAYS good and ALWAYS with love.

    Thank you so much for stopping by, dear friend. And for your sweet and kind words.

    Love ya too!

    Have a great week.........X

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  35. Sounds like your father was a wonderful man. The respect and love you have for him is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing this perfect tribute to him and inspire your readers to reflect on their dads too. Mine was a real neat guy, miss him soooo much.
    Love the photos. You look alot like him. :)

    Hey, even though I totally agree that we should keep quiet if we can't be nice.... it still reminded me of the line in 'Steel Magnolias' when Olympia's character Clairee says....
    "Well, you know what they say: if you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me!"
    haha

    Hope work isn't tooooo crazy for you!

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  36. Such a beautiful post, Ron. You've done your father proud. He rasied a funny, talented, intelligent, sweet man.

    @CrystalChick ~ LOVE that movie and that line! LOL

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  37. Good Morning Crystal Chick~

    Thank you, M.

    It's funny, because the older I get the more I seem to remember what wondeful man it truly was. Every so often, I will recall his values and think, "Remember how Dad lived!"

    "Hey, even though I totally agree that we should keep quiet if we can't be nice.... it still reminded me of the line in 'Steel Magnolias' when Olympia's character Clairee says....
    "Well, you know what they say: if you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me!"

    Bwhahahahahahahhaahhahaha! OMG...I totally forgot about that FLAWLWESS line in that brilliant film!!!

    Yeah, and I agree - tee, hee!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Always great too see ya! I know you're very busy right now too, hope everything is going well!

    See ya next Monday!

    X,
    Clariee

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  38. Good Morning Nitebyrd~

    *blushing*

    Aw, shucks....thank you.

    I know if you had met him, you would have loved him. He was so charming!

    I agree! Don't you LOVE that movie and line?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Sis! Hope you're having a wonderful week!

    See ya, next Monday!

    X

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  39. Ronnie,

    I am very touched by your post. You already shared some of the deep feelings and special bonds towards your Moms. It is so beautiful to hear about your Dad.
    I tell you, I love those old pictures!! How "he man", with the soldier in the snowy mountains! Your folks were freaking gorgeous! Awwwhh...

    I am reading what you said about your Daddy and am coming back to some of the old fashioned values that I saw in my Dad also. It must have been the morality of the era they grew up in( my Dad was born in 1920).

    I don't know if it was the generation or the era was different. But, this type of morality has flown out the window. What a shame...

    I can just imagine that your Dad was a smashing success in his career because treat people honestly and courteously and they will respond!
    Your Dad taught you some precious lessons; God bless him.

    When someone tells me about a special person who has since passed away, the thing that I say is: "I'am sorry that I didn't have the pleasure to know him/her". And I mean it sincerely each time. And, it is a shame that I didn't have the oppurtunity to meet your Dad.

    Love ya tons, Ronnie (((((((( Ron)))))))))

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  40. Hey there Barbara~

    "I tell you, I love those old pictures!! How "he man", with the soldier in the snowy mountains! Your folks were freaking gorgeous! Awwwhh..."

    Thank you.

    Don't you just LOVE old pictures? I found these two in a box I had that was filled with vintage photos my stepmother had giving me years ago.

    "I am reading what you said about your Daddy and am coming back to some of the old fashioned values that I saw in my Dad also. It must have been the morality of the era they grew up in( my Dad was born in 1920)."

    Yes, my dad was born around 1920 too, and I agree...it was the morality of the era they grew up in. Good old-fashioned values that have FLOWN out the window, yup.

    "I can just imagine that your Dad was a smashing success in his career because treat people honestly and courteously and they will respond!
    Your Dad taught you some precious lessons; God bless him."

    That's the truth! And I try very hard to be the same way in the manner in which I sell too. The key to selling is to build a LOYAL customer base, so they keep coming back to you.

    ""I'am sorry that I didn't have the pleasure to know him/her". And I mean it sincerely each time. And, it is a shame that I didn't have the oppurtunity to meet your Dad."

    Aw....you would have LOVED him. And he, YOU!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet and kind words, my friend.

    Have a great week and I'll see ya next Monday!

    ((((( Barb ))))))

    X ya!

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  41. Ron that is such a lovely and touching tribute to your Dad. I can't help but think that he would be so proud of the person and the man that you are, and that he would feel blessed seeing you honor and nurture these wonderful traits of humanity in your own day to day life. Sending happy father's day wishes, in my heart, to your late dad. ~big hug~ Diane

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  42. Hey Diane~

    Thank you sooooooooooooooo much for your sweet, kind, and touching words.

    I know my dad is smiling at you!

    ((((( Diane ))))))

    Much thanks for stopping by, girl! Hope you're having a lovely week!

    See ya next Monday!

    X to you and Cristybella!

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  43. Very touching that you can express these words about your father. I think a lot of men have trouble getting the words out.

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  44. Hey Tracy~

    Thank you.

    Last week, I suddenly felt the desire to write/express this. It's funny, because as time goes on, I seem to remember more and more about why I loved my father. Especially around this time of the year.

    Thank you so much for stopping by. Always FAB to see ya!

    Have a great rest of your week, my friend!

    See ya, next Monday!

    X

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  45. Hear! Hear! Happy father's day to all the fathers out there!

    And Ron, enjoy your time offline, and don't overwork yourself IRL. Was wondering where ya were, but now I know. The 'net seems just a bit too quiet without you around! :-)

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  46. Howdy Herman~

    "Happy father's day to all the fathers out there!"

    Ditto!

    Yes, I've been working a lot more hours this week because of Father's Day, so I had to take this week off from blogging.

    *bummer*

    But, I'm anixous to get back on Monday. I miss you guys!!!!

    Have a WONDERFUL Father's Day on Sunday!

    And please tell Tyler that Uncle Ronnie said he's got a GREAT father, okay?

    Thank you so much for stopping by tonight, buddy.

    X to you, Karin and Tyler!

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  47. Ron, (((HUGS))). Ok, I had to get that out! I missed you, my friend. Great post, as always. I finally posted one myself, but not quite upbeat. I hope to talk to you soon & hope you are having a wonderful & prosperous week! Love ya! Collette

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  48. Hellooooooo Collette~

    ((((((( You ))))))))

    It's soooooooooo great too see you, dear lady!

    Yes, I miss you too, and I'll be sure to stop by your blog when I get back on Monday.

    Thanks a BUNCH for saying Hi. Have a wonderful week and I'll see you Monday!

    X

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  49. Ron, this is a beautiful post in honor of your dad. He sounds like a wonderful man, much like my own. And he sounds a lot like ME. I won’t tolerate liars. I will forgive a lot, but do NOT lie to me.

    Thank you for sharing your memories of your dad—it also gives a bit of insight to you! I can see now where you get your great sense of humor and big heart!

    And yes, your parents made a "handsome" couple!

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  50. Hiya Pamela~

    *smiling*

    It's so ironic that I saw your comment when I came home this evening from work because you have been on my mind lately; wondering how you were, my fellow-Pennsylvanian!

    Thank you for your sweet words, dear lady.

    I have a feeling if you had met my dad you would have loved him. Like you, he could not tolerate being lied to. Yes, he would forgive too, but do not lie to him.

    Thanks so much for stopping by today. Always so great seeing your bright energy here!

    Have a great rest of your week and I'll catch up with you on Monday!

    X

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  51. wow, took a long time to get to leave a comment on blogger today...this is such a lovely post, ron....when i read it down to the bottom and scrolled up to the photo of your dad in the uniform, i bawled like a baby... ;) very sweet to have had such a man to look up to. i hope you have the happiest of weekends, dear friend, and treat yourself too... all men are dads in one way or the other. xoxoxo

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  52. Good Morning Dear Linda~

    I know, something is up with Blogger (so, what else is new? HA!), where many people are having trouble leaving comments on our blogs. So I thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and apologize for the issue :)

    Thank you so much for your sweet words, dear friend. I always get a bit melancholy around this time of the year; remember my dad. He was truly a great muse for me. You would have LOVED him, I know.

    Hope you're having a wonderful week and feeling well. I'll be sure to catch up with you on Monday!

    ((((((( Linda ))))))))

    Have a great weekend!

    xoxoxooxoxoxoxox

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