OT: 25-years today... Options

[Cracker]

Not looking for pity...just sharing some memories and pictures of my Dad (and my son). Please share your's too...

Twenty-five years ago and roughly 25-minutes my Dad was killed in a aircraft accident. He was 45-years young. He was a professional pilot with over 13,000 hours and worked for the FAA. Today is both a solemn time and a time for reflection for your family. He is sorely missed but his legacy lives on each day...our son is named after him - another "Rich Hull"!

Our Dad worked hard at his craft and sacrificed for our family...like most committed husbands and fathers genuinely do! He was selfless, devoted, a man of character, a better friend was not known, and a wonderful loving husband to my Mom.

For you veterans amongst us...thank you for your service! My Dad served two-tours in Vietnam and was shot down during his first. He spent nearly a year in the hospital and was paralyzed from the waste down. Over time he recovered, thank goodness, and then served a second time. He was a "scout" flying OH-6 helo's...

In December 2017, my parents would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. To this day, my Mom is still single - not even one date - she is not interested. She stated to her "teacher friends" at lunch one-week to the day before the accident that, "Rich has given me enough love to last a lifetime"; how prophetic that declaration proved to be!

I know this is "out of place" on the World but hey...25-year anniversaries only come around so often - I won't post this again for another 25-years!

PS: The last couple pictures are of my son and I on our trip out West this last Summer. There is no coincidence that I was 46 at that time. For you younger folks, do not hesitate in making the most of opportunities...tomorrow is not guaranteed! No regrets.

Tony/Cracker

[mgp4591]

Thanks for your thoughts and comments on this anniversary Tony. My dads 25th was a little over a year ago - he passed at 58 very suddenly while my mom was visiting her brother back east. Picking her up at the airport was hard for all of us.
My dad also served in 'Nam on 12 different carriers in a year out of 26 in total in Naval Intelligence - he always joked that Military Intelligence was an oxymoron... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) He was on board the Forrestal (CV-59) when she lit up in Tonkin Gulf in July of 67, killing 134 men. The subsequent photos released by NavFoto were all taken by my dad.
He didn't talk much - it was part of his upbringing in rural W.Va. He was shipped off to live in DC with his uncle when there wasn't enough to feed the younger kids. He excelled in his studies and graduated with Ed White, the first astronaut to walk in space, where they were in the military drill team together.
I wish I could say I knew him better. My mom did however and he remains her first love.
I passed by 58 a few years ago and still think about how fortunate I am to have survived this long and see my kids succeed and advance in life.
Guys, take all the time you can to connect with your kids. Encourage them. Love them. Always remember any one of us may not be here tomorrow.