Jan 2, 2010

A Great Man

Musings of A Beautiful Mess
This handsome guy (who I got my looks from, btw) is A Great Man! He's probably the kindest man I know and the best dad ever! He's been through the wringer, but always comes out smiling. I don't remember him ever being mad or upset about the way life seems to love to screw him over. He lives life to the fullest and has taught me to do the same.

Things started to go downhill for him when I was around 12 years old. Him and my mom both lost their jobs and had to sell our house. Even during the move, he would always make the best of things. Since they were "older" it was hard for them to find a decent job again. When he finally did, years later, he lost his eyesight due to diabetes and had to retire early. My mom went back to work and took care of them. They were doing pretty good until my mom got sick and then passed away. Even through everything that surrounded her sickness and death, my dad was amazing. He went with her to appointments, visited her every day when she was in rehab and occasionally stayed the night and slept on a VERY small, uncomfortable chair. He never complained about taking the bus or a cab to see her, he just did it. He took care of her, helped her with her exercises so she could walk and talk again. When she came home, he and Dirty were talking about building a ramp for her wheelchair. Then she passed away and things were never the same, obviously.

He's been doing his best to keep his head above water with hospital bills pouring in, making sure my lil sister didn't make TOO many stupid decisions, and taking care of his own health. He wasn't feeling to well a few months back, but thankfully his kidneys are functioning just fine. Even though he was spilling some protein. Because of his diabetes and such, they had him tested for Agent Orange. That was in May :-| He hadn't heard anything from anyone for MONTHS! The only thing he knew was that when everything was done and he was tested positive, he would get an extra certain amount a month and it would be retro-active. We low-balled it and thought he'd get MAYBE an extra $500 a month and a check for a few thousand. But we still had no idea when this was coming or what was going to happen. Thank you government for all the available information.

He was notified that he did test positive for Agent Orange and would be receiving benefits because of this. Of course there was no date to notify him WHEN this would happen. So he waited, and waited. He finally got notice on Wednesday as to how much he was going to be getting a month. It wasn't what he was expecting, he told me. I was so bummed for him, I just wanted him to catch a break! I wanted SOMETHING to go right for him, just once! He then told me he will be receiving an extra $2,000 a month! That's HUGE! I was so happy for him, I started to cry. I started to do the math in my head and said "so you got like a $1,400 check, right?!" His response was "no, I didn't. *pause* Try like $47,000" I completely lost it right then and there! I couldn't hold it in any longer, I bawled like a baby. I was so happy for him and so excited that he was able to pay his bills and such and not have to worry about if his electric bill was going to be too high. Then he dropped a bomb on me. He told me he mailed me a check. I was stunned and told him I didn't want him spending his money on me, it's HIS! He's the one who fought in Vietnam, not I. He EARNED this money! He was crying too, when I said all of this, so it was hard for each of us to understand the other, but I think he said "it's alright. This is ALL of our money." I disagree and will do my best not to allow him to spend any of it on me. I just want my dad to be happy and be able to turn his heat on without having to worry.

He's looking into buying a house HERE, by ME! I hope he can do it. Not only for me, but for him too. He needs to be closer to me. It's time for my lil sis to share him. She's had him for years, it's my turn now.

I have questioned if good things do happen to good people a few times because it seems as if my dad gets shit on by life a lot, but not anymore! I think I just needed to have more patience and open my eyes a little bit more. He's a good man who truly deserves this. It won't make the pain of him losing his wife any less, but it will make his life easier. For that, I am thankful.

18 friends have commented:

Alana on January 2, 2010 at 2:09 PM said...

Your Dad sounds like a wonderful man!

$47 grand--holy crap! SO glad he is trying to move closer to you, that is awesome!

Who would've thought Agent Orange would have a positive outcome, bless his heart!

Andy on January 2, 2010 at 3:20 PM said...

WOOOHOOO!

What a wonderful thing to have happen to a wonderful Dad.

I hope he does get to move near you soon!

Shelly- Mom Files on January 2, 2010 at 3:47 PM said...

Oh my gosh this is truly heart-warming. I am always so happy for him and it is quite a relief that he will be alright with his finances. I bet that is a HUGE load off of him. God bless him :)

..al on January 2, 2010 at 10:52 PM said...

What is Agent Orange?

I really hope that your father moves in closer to you.

One thing I have learnt as an adult is EVERYTHING happens to EVERYBODY. Good things happen to bad people as well, and bad things happen to good people as well.

I hope your father also gets some financial safety, because it matters a lot.

All the best to him.

IF Optimist, then... on January 3, 2010 at 12:18 AM said...

Agent Orange was a terrible thing to expose our soldiers to. Please tell your dad how proud we are of all our soliders and how we appreciate and am so proud of his service. Glad to know that some of his suffering will be compensated and what a joy it will be if he gets to spend time with you all, because hey Miss Beautiful. You are extraordinary.

SassyCupcakes on January 3, 2010 at 2:07 AM said...

That is so amazing. I'm so happy for you and for your Dad.

Quiet Dreams on January 3, 2010 at 7:41 AM said...

So happy for your dad (and you!). What an amazing story. This made my day.

tomi on January 3, 2010 at 8:46 AM said...

That is awesome of your dad :)

Fertility Chick on January 3, 2010 at 11:04 AM said...

Yay!! That's so awesome. Your dad sounds just wonderful - and I hope that he gets to move near you so you can enjoy more time together!

Aunt Becky on January 3, 2010 at 4:12 PM said...

What a lovely story. Seriously, that's awesome. I hope he moves by you.

Kristin on January 3, 2010 at 7:13 PM said...

I am so freaking happy for him (and you). So glad something good finally came out of that horrid chemical.

Petrucia on January 4, 2010 at 8:56 AM said...

this is really good news. I'm happy for you and your father. How decent of the government to offer this sensible compensation after your dad was in that war, and in such a good timing too. :)

Anonymous said...

This is wonderful news. What a deserving person to receive good luck. I hope he can move close to you too.

Anonymous said...

This is wonderful news! Give you dad a hug for me. My father died years ago. Your dad looks like mine did while watching TV.
Have a great day and lots of luck to you!!
Gerardine Baugh
http://gerardinebaugh.wordpress.com/

kimbosue on January 5, 2010 at 6:37 PM said...

YAY! What an awesome story. So happy for your dad. He deserves it for everything he's been through in Vietnam and after. I sure hope he can move by you! That would be a great start to 2010!!

Jamie on January 6, 2010 at 5:49 PM said...

Oh, Dani!! I am so happy for you both! For your Dad to have that load off his shoulders and to have him living near you - what a blessing!

And what a fantastic start to the new year.

Busted Tube on January 11, 2010 at 9:20 PM said...

Late to the party as usual, but that is WONDERFUL NEWS! I'm so thrilled for your dad! Yay! What a happy story!

Sunny on January 13, 2010 at 4:39 PM said...

There is nothing more satisfying than when good things FINALLY happen to good people. I am grateful your Dad got this check. I have so much respect for our vets (one of the select causes we donate to) and love to see them taken care of.

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