Home » Culture & Society » History » The Vietnam Era

Thank you for listening to my Dad's story

From the lens The Story of A Vietnam Veteran.

  • aquarian_insight Apr 5, 2012 @ 8:14 am | delete
    Thank you so much for sharing your dad's story. I was deeply touched reading it and could feel how much you love and miss him. You will meet him again, one day.
  • ForEverProud Jan 17, 2012 @ 7:46 pm | delete
    I am deeply moved by your tribute to your father. Your obvious love for him, as well as the sorrow you felt for his pain, is apparent in every thought you have shared with us. Young men, who at 18,19, 20 years old should have been thinking about the future, were thrown into circumstances where their thoughts were likely focused on only surviving to the next day ... or the next hour. Returning home to a nation that could not embrace their service or endeavor to understand their pain was more than difficult, at least to the returning Vietnam Veterans that I knew. Your father it seems were among those good men whose heart never quite mended from an experience uninvited, but excepted when duty called. God Bless him. As a mother of a Marine I have these same worries for my own son and his combat experience. Having lived through that era and having witnessed, and now more clearly understanding, how the lack of support harmed our returning Vietnam Vets, I am always aware of how deeply our Vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan need our ears, eyes, hugs and generosity.

    May your father rest in peace. I know he loved you well, for had he not, your words here would not be the kind that touch the heart and soul. Many thanks for sharing ... for in your sharing we all learn how to better love and live.
  • vallain Jan 16, 2012 @ 9:16 pm | delete
    It's hard to know how much the experiences from the Vietnam war scarred the young men and affected their relationships and the course of their lives. Thanks for sharing his story. It is important to preserve family memories, even the painful ones.
  • KonaGirl Jan 6, 2012 @ 2:50 pm | delete
    I came back to tell you, I was so overwhelmed by your story, this lens is Blessed. I am in the process of creating a new lens for 2012 Angel Blessings. As soon as it is finished, you will be added there and I'll send an e-mail to notify you when it has been published. Meanwhile, your link has been added to My Squid Angel Wings 2011.
  • KonaGirl Jan 6, 2012 @ 2:41 pm | delete
    I cried when I read this. I am from the Vietnam Era and lost many to that awful war. A few I lost by death and a few more I lost to drugs and alcohol. Too many soldiers couldn't cope when they got home. Too many idiots blamed the soldiers for something that was beyond their control and not their fault instead of blaming the politicians where the fault lay.

    It wasn't only by the way the soldiers were treated when they returned home, it was by the guilt many felt over the things they did in Nam, PTSD, and for others the side effects of Agent Orange. Perhaps all of the above is closer to the truth.

    My children's father was one of them. At night he faced his demons in his sleep and had horrible nightmares. He beat me when living his dreams, not knowing who I was. By day he hid his pain by drinking and using drugs (came home addicted). He finally did get help and today is clean & sober. But it took too many years before he was able to conquer his addictions and face his trauma. I left him 4 years after he returned home.

    I am so sorry for the sorrow you have had to endure, Pat. My heart goes out to you.
  • JDWheeler Nov 21, 2011 @ 12:31 pm | delete
    I know it was tough for you to type these words, but I'm glad you did. Excellent read.
  • DevBlue Nov 12, 2011 @ 1:05 am | delete
    Very touching story of someone who had a deep love for her father. I would think that you had given him a lot care and love and I am sure that this was what helped him going because it seems he was a bit depressed and lonely in life. And giving your attention and love to someone while he is living is really what counts.
  • Winter52 Nov 11, 2011 @ 2:22 pm | delete
    That was indeed beautiful and sad at the same time. I loved your photos btw! A very special lens that I would indeed bless if I was an angel lol. You will get a thumbs up from me though. :)
  • joycetmann Nov 11, 2011 @ 1:51 pm | delete
    What a beautifully told story. An inspiration to all on Veterans' Day. Losing loved ones suddenly and at a young age is something I, sadly, know too well. I am not a squid angel, but if I were this lens would definitely be blessed. Thank you! Joyce
  • boutiqueshops Nov 11, 2011 @ 1:41 pm | delete
    A beautiful story. I feel honored that you shared it. My father lost is life to cancer & alcoholism many, many years ago. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Blessed!
  • fanfreluche Nov 11, 2011 @ 1:35 pm | delete
    Touching story. I think all those who came back from a war are never the same again.
  • PatinKC Nov 11, 2011 @ 1:28 pm | delete
    I'm so sorry you lost your dad at such a young age. Living with ghosts is very difficult! Your photos are wonderful. Thank you for sharing your story!
  • EmpowerLiberty Aug 25, 2011 @ 1:26 pm | delete
    Life is about developing relationships,learning from our experiences and learning from other's experiences. Thank you for sharing.
  • TIRMassageStone Aug 15, 2011 @ 4:33 pm | delete
    I think is life is hard. It's important to honor those who have gone before us, especially in the defense of our freedoms. We must always honor the good they have done, and forgive them of everything else. It's the only way to live.
  • DevBlue Jun 10, 2011 @ 2:58 pm | delete
    Very touching story. Makes me remember my Dad.
  • CastleRoy Jun 10, 2011 @ 11:47 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing I think many in my generation and those to come into adulthood feel the stories of how our Vietnam Veterans where treated after the war is horrible and was wrong I think a bit of our push to thank soldiers today is because of how the Vietnam Veterans where treated we want to be sure it is diffident that it will never happen again during any war. our troops deserve the best treatment they serve our leaders and protect us. and those without a choice back then deserve even more respect I think many ran your dad did not. I fight so much for our troops they deserve therapy and help an average of 18 soldiers a month commit suicide do to waiting and waiting for therapy it is wrong and a repeat of our past I say. bless you and your family and thank you for your dads service.
  • DianaJillian Jun 10, 2011 @ 12:51 am | delete
    This is a wonderful lens. I love the pics and congrats on having an item sold! =D
  • nancycarol May 18, 2011 @ 11:14 am | delete
    I was also in the Army during Vietnam, but always here in the states. I remember how our men were treated when they returned and how sad it made me that people could not see that they had gone to service for our country for the right reasons, whether the war was right or not. Thank you for this lens.
  • pawpaw911 May 8, 2011 @ 1:55 pm | delete
    Thanks for taking the time to do this for your dad. We owe him and those who served with him a great debt.
  • LissaKlar Feb 3, 2011 @ 8:51 pm | delete
    Very heartfelt story. You never know just by looking at people how much they hurt. Thanks for sharing.
  • photofk3 Feb 2, 2011 @ 4:25 pm | delete
    Really heart-wrenching story, a beautiful tribute to your father. I think American Service Members who serve their country deserve a great respect.
  • Spook Sep 23, 2010 @ 5:56 am | delete
    Just popping by again. Blessed by an Angel.
  • capriliz Aug 29, 2010 @ 1:59 pm | delete
    What a beautiful tribute to your father. We have no idea how the Vietnam war changed so many people. How can you witness the horrors of war and return as the same man or woman. My father was in the Korean War, and I truly believe that he came back a different person. I lensrolled this back to my http://www.squidoo.com/vietnam-war-movies.
  • burgessvillian May 25, 2010 @ 5:35 am | delete
    I enjoyed reading this lens. A nice tribute to your dad.
  • HorseAndPony Apr 23, 2010 @ 12:39 pm | delete
    I'm back for a visit. This is such a great lens. Blessed!
  • LeanneChesser Feb 11, 2010 @ 5:54 pm | delete
    Visiting again to bless your lens!
  • spirituality Jan 10, 2010 @ 12:06 pm | delete
    Great lens, blessed by a squidangel :)
  • paperfacets Jan 4, 2010 @ 12:10 pm | delete
    Very good story about you and your father.
  • WindyWinters Jan 3, 2010 @ 9:58 pm | delete
    Congratulations on your well-deserved 2009 Giant Squid Award!
  • d-artist Dec 27, 2009 @ 12:55 pm | delete
    I hear the pain in your writing...my husband came back from Vietnam, a soul survivor of the tank he drove that was hit by a 500lb mine...he has guilt that he survived and his two best friends did not. All Vets deal with what they went through in a different manner, every single one is different, some do alcohol, etc...but my husband believed in God and that is what brought him through it....he now does many Veterans Events(one of his purposes)
    Don't know if your dad ever went to the VVA to get help, there is always help...it is sad indeed that your dad suffered so much, consequently others suffered also...I Thank him for his service and his sacrifice...5*
  • Mickie_G Dec 26, 2009 @ 10:57 am | delete
    My father was in the military, too. I think that has a lot to do with his addiction to alcohol.
    You did a good job here and Congratulations on the Giant Squid Award!
  • Laniann Dec 23, 2009 @ 3:24 am | delete
    Congratulations, on being selected as one of the 2009 Giant Squid Award Winners for your lens on The Story Of A Vietnam Veteran.
  • GrowWear Dec 22, 2009 @ 12:51 pm | delete
    Congratulations for The Story of A Vietnam Veteran, 2009 Best History Lens!
  • The_Health_Lady Dec 22, 2009 @ 10:34 am | delete
    Congratulations on your Giant Squid Award! You have created a wonderful tribute to your Dad.
  • BevsPaper Dec 22, 2009 @ 7:13 am | delete
    Congratulations on winning the 2009 Giant Squid award! Well deserved!
  • cbeee3 Dec 22, 2009 @ 12:37 am | delete
    This is just beautiful. A great tribute to ur dad. Every father would want it. May his soul rest in peace.
    PS:Ur girls are like little angels. Congrats on the win. Thanks for checkin this little squids not so cool lens :)
  • Joan4 Dec 21, 2009 @ 10:21 pm | delete
    Congratulations on your win in the Giant Squid 2009 Awards! This is one of those lenses that was a winner from day one!!
  • Pukeko Dec 21, 2009 @ 10:07 pm | delete
    This lens is just as powerful as the first time I read it. Congratulations on a well deserved win.
  • bdkz Dec 21, 2009 @ 5:29 pm | delete
    Congratulations on winning the 2009 Giant Squid Awards! http://www.squidoo.com/2009-giant-squid-award-winners#module74844291
  • Jewelsofawe Dec 21, 2009 @ 8:49 pm | delete
    Thank you!
  • MiaBellezza Dec 18, 2009 @ 10:54 am | delete
    Many war veterans struggle with alcoholism and additions, as did my grandfather.

    The Bible says "Thou Shall Not Kill", but the government says do it.

    Young people take heed and think twice about enlisting, lest you damage your soul and psyche permanently seeing and doing the unthinkable.
  • Dec 14, 2009 @ 8:54 am | delete
    Great story, thank you for sharing it with us. Lovely lens 5 ***** and favorited.
  • mulberry Dec 8, 2009 @ 2:21 am | delete
    Thanks for sharing your father's story. It's amazing to me that any soldier is able to readjust to life upon return. There should definitely be more mental health assistance available to help them.
  • LoKackl Nov 30, 2009 @ 1:22 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing your story, your father tribute, and for the compassion it shows. You've inspired me to return to a lens about loss that I did but got terribly bogged down in until IT was terrible!! -- 5*/fav/roll when it's worthy to my own "tribute." I am your parents' age and the love of my life, also emotionally hit by Vietnam, has done better. Though scars have damaged his life and by extension mine, this lens makes me thankful that he is still alive.
  • OhMe Nov 30, 2009 @ 7:58 am | delete
    Congratulations on your nomination for the Giant Squid Awards.
  • skiesgreen Nov 30, 2009 @ 3:15 am | delete
    This is a great lens that I have put off reading for some time. I hated the Vietnam War and know that so many left Australia under sufferance never to return. They were drafted until the mothers of some revolted and hid their sons and the draft was over. God bless you for sharing your pain and you love and devotion to a man who lost everything but gave so much. 5* and fave

    Norma
  • bengriston Nov 29, 2009 @ 5:50 pm | delete
    So many of out Vietnam vets struggled with so much and just did not get the support they should have. Thank you for sharing your father's personal story.
  • KathyMcGraw Nov 29, 2009 @ 10:44 am | delete
    It's hard to share some stories, but by sharing it you might have also helped cleanse some of the pain. It is indeed sad, as so many of our Vietnam Vets had addiction problems that went untreated. The blessing in all this is the love you have, and that your girls have something from their grandfather, a picture they can always keep and treasure later.

    Congratulations on your 2009 Giant Squid Awards nomination :)
  • Laniann Nov 29, 2009 @ 6:22 am | delete
    I came back to give you - Congratulations on being nominated for the 2009 Giant Squid Awards.
  • LeanneChesser Nov 28, 2009 @ 2:57 pm | delete
    Glad to be back to congratulate you on your 2009 Giant Squid Awards nomination!
  • HorseAndPony Nov 28, 2009 @ 11:17 am | delete
    Loved this lens again. Congratulations on your nomination for the 2009-Giant-Squid-Awards.
  • prosperity66 Nov 28, 2009 @ 7:02 am | delete
    Unfortunately, I can't give an additional 5 stars rating but you know what I think of this marvelous homage to your dad!
    Congratulations on your nomination to 2009 Giant Squid Awards, it's well deserved!
    Dom.
  • PeterTrivelas Nov 25, 2009 @ 5:49 am | delete
    Beautiful! I too am a Vietnam Vet. I am doing well, though. I feel for all those boys coming home from today's wars. Here is a short video that offers some real help for PTSD. Thanks for you comments on my lens.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ki4c-XkYsM
  • BevsPaper Nov 17, 2009 @ 6:45 pm | delete
    What a lovely tribute to your Dad! So many of our Viet Nam Vets came back broken men. The government sent them off to fight a war that no one believed in, exposed them to chemicals that harmed them, made them witness things that haunt them still, and then brought them home with no help, no honor. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear one Viet Nam Vet say to another...Welcome Home Brother. I'm leaving hugs for you, hugs for your Dad (he'll feel them in heaven!) and a Blessing in honor of your Dad and his service to our country.
  • stacy_mcdaniel Nov 16, 2009 @ 10:17 am | delete
    So sorry for your loss. Nice Lens
  • WordCustard Nov 15, 2009 @ 1:51 pm | delete
    A lovely tribute to your Dad, and your poem brought tears to my eyes.
  • Tipi Nov 14, 2009 @ 8:32 pm | delete
    What a heart touching story. Thank you fore writing this, it must have been kind of hard to do emotionally. I'm sure it has been healing for you too. You are very sweet for honoring your Dad in this way. I'm going to enjoy blessing this lens with a lot more than thumbs-up. It's a great personal lens, and I'm very proud of you for creating it.
    Happy Thanksgiving,
    Susie
  • 2Eklectik Nov 11, 2009 @ 6:10 pm | delete
    Sorry for your loss. You did a very good job of telling his story.
  • mbgphoto Nov 11, 2009 @ 2:36 pm | delete
    Very touching! Blessed by a Squid Angel!
  • lasertek Nov 10, 2009 @ 8:26 pm | delete
    Very inspiring. So many families share the same sentiment with you. I commend you for your bravery in sharing your story.
  • thesuccess Nov 10, 2009 @ 5:36 pm | delete
    Important Lens. My Uncle was in Korea and he's still suffering from that.
  • hlkljgk Nov 9, 2009 @ 11:36 am | delete
    i commend and appreciate your father's service. and i am sorry for your loss. thanks for sharing your story.
  • poutine Nov 8, 2009 @ 10:31 am | delete
    Such a sad story but beautiful tribute to your dad.

    I'm sure that the war contributed a lot to his drinking problem.

    Poutine
  • Michey Nov 7, 2009 @ 1:34 pm | delete
    This is a beautiful tribute 5* fav Thanks for sharing.
    I know, the personal stories are the hardest to share.
    The wings of an Angel Bless this lens.
  • ClassyGals Nov 7, 2009 @ 10:09 am | delete
    I got chills from the tribute to your father. Very moving story. Thanks for sharing it with us.
  • ClassyGals Nov 7, 2009 @ 10:09 am | delete
    I got chills from the tribute to your father. Very moving story. Thanks for sharing it with us.
  • Macs Nov 7, 2009 @ 1:15 am | delete
    What a lovely tribute lens. 5* and lensrolled to my Agent Orange lens.
  • HorseAndPony Nov 6, 2009 @ 9:55 am | delete
    What a great story. Thank you for sharing. My biological father is also a Vietnam vet. Maybe someday I will be able to write about it.
  • WindyWinters Nov 5, 2009 @ 12:54 pm | delete
    Wonderful Tribute to You Father. He really died a hero serving his country. Thanks for sharing a beautifully written story! :)
  • LindaJM Nov 4, 2009 @ 10:57 pm | delete
    What a beautiful lens you made to honor your father! He looks a lot like my Irish ex-boyfriend. 5* and Angel Blessed... maybe he helped the Angels win.
  • LeanneChesser Nov 4, 2009 @ 12:33 pm | delete
    This is so incredibly beautiful. I'm lensrolling it to my feed the homeless lens. Thanks for having the courage to write this.
  • Spook Nov 4, 2009 @ 12:20 pm | delete
    I've seen fire and I've seen rain. A lovely song. I never could understand the reaction to vets at the time and I never will. Rest assured if he had been living in my country he would have been a hero, which he was, and always will be. Beautifully told and touching story. Blessed by an Angel.
  • lollyj Nov 3, 2009 @ 7:15 am | delete
    Eloquent, touching, beautiful lens. It DOES take courage some times to share such pieces of our heart, but I'm glad you did. This one and your poetry lens have been lensrolled to some of mine.
  • WhiteOak50 Nov 2, 2009 @ 6:47 pm | delete
    I am so proud of you to share such an emotional subject. You did a wonderful job writing this lens. Loved your poem- You are such a gifted person.
  • Heather426 Nov 2, 2009 @ 12:38 am | delete
    Beautiful heartfelt lens. Blessed and lensrolled to my tribute to my Dad. I am so sorry for your loss!
  • KM9999999 Nov 1, 2009 @ 5:28 pm | delete
    This is a beautiful lens and a beautiful story. Very touching.
  • Pastiche Oct 31, 2009 @ 1:22 pm | delete
    War does terrible things to those who serve, and it also affects their friends, coworkers and family members. Your dad struggled with his personal challenges but it looks like he always tried to stay connected to you and your children despite his problems. This is a touching tribute. It's sad that he couldn't have lived longer to share more of your life and love.
  • stargazer00 Oct 31, 2009 @ 12:51 am | delete
    A very touching story of your father's life. Lensrolled to my Stories of Vietnam lenses.
  • Sylvestermouse Oct 30, 2009 @ 5:35 pm | delete
    May heart ached for you as I read your story. I believe we who are not sent or do not go, have absolutely no way of knowing or understanding the demons that haunt those who go to war. I know my brother did not often talk about his experiences, but I also know he lived with such horrible memories that frequently he could not sleep and he would just sit up quietly and smoke one cigarette after another. The playful, laughing boy we watched leave returned to us years later burdened and changed. No doubt, that is but a glimpse of what they struggled with each day.

    I am so sorry both you and your father suffered such loss.
  • bethd821 Oct 30, 2009 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    A beautifully written lens and a heartfelt tribute to your father. My brother served in Viet Nam around the same time as your dad. He came home changed. That war messed up a lot of guys. I lost my dad 2 years ago.
  • OhMe Oct 30, 2009 @ 6:52 am | delete
    This is such a beautiful tribute to your Dad and I read every word. Your poem and story is very touching. Blessed.
  • AndyPo Oct 30, 2009 @ 5:12 am | delete
    A very nice tribute
  • Laniann Oct 29, 2009 @ 6:35 pm | delete
    A beautiful and loving tribute to your father. You and your pictures are beautiful. I would also like to honor and thank your father for serving our country. It must have been awful the years that he was in the service... We can never know what it is like for men that are sent to fight for our country. Many turn to hard drugs or alcohol to ease their pain when they return home. Thank you for sharing with us your father.
  • Jewelsofawe Oct 29, 2009 @ 3:40 pm | in reply to rms | delete
    Thank you! Writing this was not easy. I cried for hours after I wrote it.
  • rms Oct 29, 2009 @ 3:19 pm | delete
    Very sweet tribute to your Dad. Your poem brought tears to my eyes. I lost my Dad 3 years ago to cancer and I miss him everyday. I know how hard this must have been for you to write. Thank you for sharing it with us.
  • squidjoan Oct 28, 2009 @ 7:28 pm | delete
    Patricia, this is a beautiful tribute. Your photos are a treasure! I hope that you will hold to the happiest of memories and let the rest fade away. I am about the same age as your dad, and I can assure you our twenties were very unsettling times for all of us. And heaven only knows what nightmares those precious VietNam vets struggled with for years and years. I am so glad you wrote his story. You did a fantastic job. Blessed!
  • prosperity66 Oct 27, 2009 @ 6:00 pm | delete
    You made a wonderful lens on your father! This lens touched my heart as like you I lost my father - while I don't remember him, I was too young and didn't see him since a long time before he died.
    Nice to meet you too - I won't regret the day I met you and read your story.
    Dom.
  • JaguarJulie Oct 27, 2009 @ 3:28 pm | delete
    You have crafted a loving and beautiful tribute to your father. I am deeply touched by your honesty and love.
  • mukunda22 Oct 27, 2009 @ 6:59 am | delete
    Your dad and your story is beautiful, because so many have been touched by the disease of alcoholism. The important part of the process is forgiveness.

    ####blessed####
  • GrowWear Oct 27, 2009 @ 12:57 am | delete
    Patricia, my condolences for the loss of your father. I believe that alcoholism can often lead to homelessness. It sounds like your dad chose homelessness rather than cope with the world he was in and the DUI problem. It's very sad and not his fault. For those susceptible to alcoholism, I know it's a nightmare, and like with anyone who's suffering from that pain or any pain, we should all be as gentle with them and as kind to them as we can. I'd like to thank your father for serving this country, but I can't thank him now, so I will tell his daughter that I truly know the courage and strength that it took to do that is beyond what I can imagine. And I appreciate what he did for us.

by

Jewelsofawe

I am a poet and photographer. I love to inspire and be inspired! I sell inspirational gifts. You can find my floral photography and designs and more... more »

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