nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

Child Item

Dad moments

[Deleted User]

The dad things your dad did for you.

One of mine: Early 20's, when I lived at home but went on a lads holiday. I texted him in the middle of the night (3AM on the runway and lost coverage) on a Ryanair flight from Magaluf to Shannon. I didn't sort out a lift home because I was a moron. My phone said the text didn't send. It did apparently. Found that out when we landed. He was there at arrivals at 6AM or so waiting for me, 70KM away from home! Dads are fantastic!

Any dad stories, AH?

Find more posts tagged with

Quick Links

Comments

banie01

I was in the car recently with the Mrs when the JCB song came on and I had to pull over.

It struck me all of a sudden and like a ton of bricks that I'd missed out on the "dad" moments.
Well the ones with an actual "dad"!

My own sperm donor was an abusive bollocks,
I honestly have not one good memory of the man. The strokes he pulled and the violence inflicted on my Mam and us, I do carry with me tho.
My Step dad came on to the scene when I was about 9.
He tried, but he was very much at the end of his tether with learning to cope with a family all of a sudden and that was before the rest of the siblings came on the scene.
He's from a generation that snapped and hit rather than spoke. TBH, I called him Dad for a long time, but after my Mam died our own relationship fell apart and I can't see any reconciliation and nor do I want one.

I was very lucky with my Grandfather's though, both honourable and both loving.
My maternal Grandfather by all accounts was a terrible father, but I can hand on heart say he was a great grandfather!
He thought me to read, and showed me the power of books, of an escape into imagination.
he told me stories and thought me lessons every day until he died.
He really gave truth to the axiom that grandchildren are the opportunity to fix the mistakes made with their children.

My paternal grandfather, a man who in 1980's Ireland called out to see his Daughter in Law every Sunday to see his grandkids and make sure she was ok for everything.
When his son was exposed and left us, he still called and supported her/us.
When his Daughter in Law took up with a "fancy man" and had 5 more kids...
He had 5 more grandkids, grandkids he saw every Sunday, who he always had a shiny 20p for and who never knew what a "half-sibling" was because he never saw a difference.
When he got too I'll to drive we called to him.
I don't but much store in Family motto's, but when I found out that his was "Virtue alone ennobles" it struck me as very very apt for the man he was.

Slumberland

This is such a lovely idea for a thread. The loving memories being told are so heartwarming. The others are heartbreaking. We are blessed wit many people in our lives so if we don’t have a super dad rest assured we will have someone to fill that void. Love this thread!

Chancer3001

our dad worked 16 hour days. sometimes more. his stress levels used to be through the roof.

The main problem tho was he had zero idea how to be a dad. didnt know how to show love or compassion or anything. We were reared 100% by the mammy. He never drank, never went out or anything crazy, and he had friends. To hear them talk about him, id always think it was a different person. couldnt see him as friendly or likable or anything of the sort.

Fast forward 20 years, hes retired, free time, my brother has kids, and its like hes a completely different person. Not the dsame man at all. Hes a playful, lovable grandad, hes loving, we hang out, we watch tv, we go to games together. Its like a different person.

So, my advice if you have a dad like the first guy i described, dont hold it personally, the real loving father could be in there somewhere.

Baggly

My favourite thing is when my mother says something strange or silly and my dad looks at me with a special look reserved for 'what is she like'.

We developed that look because my mother would kill us if we vocalised it.

irishguitarlad

I wish I had a good dad after reading this. Mine abused me and my brother physically and mentally and to this day torments my mom.

Deusexmachina

There I was thinking Boards is full of cynical, nasty cyber twerps (after tons of horrible posts in my thread about people being bullied by the banks).

Now this brilliant thread. Really sincere and thoughtful posts from people with good and bad experiences to share.

Restores my faith in people. We are all in this together folks.

For the record, I have a very old Dad who is the kindest man in the world. I can honestly say I am a great Dad to my (grown up ) kids. I would lay down my life for either of them without a whimper.

mfceiling

My dad went to visit his brother in law and his wife in Cornwall years ago. His young niece took a real shine to him (he has a great way with kids). The little one asked him if he would go into school the next day for show and tell.
So the next day when all the other kids turned up to a rural school with various toys and bit's and pieces, my cousin arrived with my dad!! He had a great morning there and enjoyed his tea break in the staffroom!!

Malayalam

irishguitarlad wrote: »

I wish I had a good dad after reading this. Mine abused me and my brother physically and mentally and to this day torments my mom.

If it is any help the universe balanced the gift of me Da with an absolute witch for a Ma. She was hard work to love but after decades I'm getting there. C'est la vie, eh. Light and dark.

RhubarbCrumble

My father is similar to Shenshen's. Physically, mentally and emotionally abused me all through my childhood and into adulthood. In my thirties now and haven't spoken to him in almost five years.

My partner's father though is the complete opposite. Couldn't be more different if he tried. He's been very good to me and he's a complete gentleman. He's one hundred times the father that mine will ever be.
My father has fallen out with all of his own brothers and sisters over the years too. He's going to die a bitter, lonely old man and nobody will mourn him.
My partner's Dad is a lot older than mine and his health isn't the best now, but when he passes all of his family will want to be there and he will be missed so much.

For those of you who have loving, caring fathers, please cherish them because not everyone is that lucky.

wexie

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

Ah screw this. I braved post 4 and I am gone again

Off to here with ya!!!

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057914043

Lashes28

My Dad is amazing.

My two youngest have started in playschool and are finding it hard to settle. Dad has a little seat on the front of his bike for the kiddos.

When he heard the kids were crying going in, he decided to take them in on it as a distraction.

So every morning he does two runs on his bike to school to keep his grandkids happy.

Just one of the reasons I can whole heatedly say, they broke the mould when they made him.

Musefan

The less said about my own dad, the better.

My father-in-law on the other hand, does little things like notice if my shoes are wet when I come in the door, and will quietly put them beside the fire so they dry out. He’s not my dad, but I’m very thankful for him.

Pinch Flat

RhubarbCrumble wrote: »

My father is similar to Shenshen's. Physically, mentally and emotionally abused me all through my childhood and into adulthood. In my thirties now and haven't spoken to him in almost five years.

My father has fallen out with all of his own brothers and sisters over the years too. He's going to die a bitter, lonely old man and nobody will mourn him.

For those of you who have loving, caring fathers, please cherish them because not everyone is that lucky.

So much in common with my old man. A bitter twisted old man who abused me emotionally and physically. A sociopath / borderline physchopath with extreme narcissistic tendencies. Drink and mental illness (undiagnosed, but I’d bet in it) played a large part in all of this. The beatings, the fear, the torture. I used to piss in the garden rather than wake him up. I lived in constant fear of his rages. His anger. I can never forget it. He left the home when I was 18 and left us without nothing. I mean literally nothing, we starved. We had no phone, electricity got cut off, college / study suffered. I nearly had a nervous breakdown. Lived of fried eggs, anything. Had a destructive influence on all my relationships - sabotaged friends, girl fiends even work. Some of the mortifying moments I look back now and really am aghast at how crazy they were. I desperately tried to build bridges with him - got married in 2000 and hadn’t spoken to him in perhaps five years leading to my wedding. He totally screwed up my day and I look back now how disappointing it must have been for my wife and her family. I felt used, betrayed and humiliated. We had our final words in about 2002. None of my brothers speak to him. He’s never met his four grand kids. Someday I’ll get a call to say he’s dead and genuinely don’t know how I’ll feel, I’ll mourn perhaps what could have been if he was more normal.

I have a 12 year old boy now and I will do any thing for him, perhaps I’m over compensating for the lack of love, affection and encouragement I had growing up. I’m there to guide and advise him, be his rock to cry on or counsel him when he needs it. I’m his best friend, confident and he thinks the world of me. All the things I missed and was denied growing up. I do wonder what type of person I would have been if I had a better role model in my life and who I could go and catch a game and have a pint with later in life. I really miss that.

Tigerbaby

I'm a Dad with twins aged 28 now. My own Dad was a bit 'complicated' , but I've since learned the freedom of compassion and forgiveness.

I bless the ground on which my kids stand, and am proud of them.

I hope and pray I havent hurt them in any way.

Any Dad's worry. That we make their lives better than ours.

retro:electro

Pinch Flat wrote: »

So much in common with my old man. A bitter twisted old man who abused me emotionally and physically. A sociopath / borderline physchopath with extreme narcissistic tendencies. Drink and mental illness (undiagnosed, but I’d bet in it) played a large part in all of this. The beatings, the fear, the torture. I used to piss in the garden rather than wake him up. I lived in constant fear of his rages. His anger. I can never forget it. He left the home when I was 18 and left us without nothing. I mean literally nothing, we starved. We had no phone, electricity got cut off, college / study suffered. I nearly had a nervous breakdown. Lived of fried eggs, anything. Had a destructive influence on all my relationships - sabotaged friends, girl fiends even work. Some of the mortifying moments I look back now and really am aghast at how crazy they were. I desperately tried to build bridges with him - got married in 2000 and hadn’t spoken to him in perhaps five years leading to my wedding. He totally screwed up my day and I look back now how disappointing it must have been for my wife and her family. I felt used, betrayed and humiliated. We had our final words in about 2002. None of my brothers speak to him. He’s never met his four grand kids. Someday I’ll get a call to say he’s dead and genuinely don’t know how I’ll feel, I’ll mourn perhaps what could have been if he was more normal.

I have a 12 year old boy now and I will do any thing for him, perhaps I’m over compensating for the lack of love, affection and encouragement I had growing up. I’m there to guide and advise him, be his rock to cry on or counsel him when he needs it. I’m his best friend, confident and he thinks the world of me. All the things I missed and was denied growing up. I do wonder what type of person I would have been if I had a better role model in my life and who I could go and catch a game and have a pint with later in life. I really miss that.

You sound like a wonderful father. Fair play to you.

Alf Veedersane

My Dad is a great man, to me. My memories of him growing up were out in the garden with him showing me the basics of hurling and football; 'working' alongside him in his little workshop out the back where he made stuff and did some wood turning; watching him build the extension on his own, carrying blocks around and looking like a boss.

But when it came to it, he had a way of reassuring me he always had my back.

When my mam died, he was heartbroken. He still is but he carries on. We've grown closer over the years since Mam died. We don't hug or have meaningful chats, per se, but he's stood in my corner and backed me in my own hard times. I talk to him pretty much every day.

If I can be as good a man and father as he is, I think my kids will be happy kids.

messy tessy

One of my best memories is of my dad coming to collect me from hospital when I was tiny and taking me to a cafe and saying 'get anything you want' and me being so so excited to be in a cafe and it being just the two of us!!

He is an amazingly good man, farming to this day (70's). Raised cattle, and five kids, did the school runs for years while Mam worked, cleaned the house, got dinners, dealt with teenage drama, put us all through college. Never anything but incredibly supportive, and backs his kids 100%. I don't know why I am bawling here as he is still alive!

wakka12

Shenshen wrote: »

Yes, I hear that quite a bit.
When I broke off contact with him, I broke off contact with his side of the family altogether. A number of them (including both my grandparents) have died since, and to be honest, I didn't have the slightest emotional reaction to that when I heard.

He's never made any attempt at getting in touch with me, or with my brother. The brother who still has contact with him told me once that he's never once mentioned either of us since we broke off contact.

When my parents split up (2nd happiest day of my life so far, only exclipsed by my wedding day), I had to take him to court to pay child support for me and my brothers. I was the one who had to step up due to the way German courts handle legal aid. My mother was working part-time as a nurse back then. Her salary wasn't enough to cover our monthly outgoings, but because she had an income, she would not have qualified for legal aid. My brothers were still under 16, I had only just turned 16, but was still at school. I didn't have any income, so if I brought the case forward, I could avail of legal aid.
He proceeded to try and terrorise me into stopping the proceedings, constant phone calls, waiting in front of the house to intimidate me, it was quite nasty. However, for me it was strangely cathargic. I ended up laughing in his face and telling him I'd put in for a restraining order on top of the child support case if he didn't stop. I finally felt free.

I don't owe him anything, and I have literally said all I ever had to say to him. I honestly don't expect to be feeling anything once he dies. Other than maybe happy for my mother, who is still scared of him.

Good on you. I don't like this idea that people should try to see past the **** family members have put them through just because they are family, if you weren't related to them, you wouldn't even consider giving them a second chance for doing things like that, and rightfully so. Love and respect are earned through kindness not family blood

Thankfully never been in that position myself, but I would have no regrets about completely dropping a horrible person from my life just because I happen to be related to them

Father Hernandez

Some of the stories on here are brilliant relating to their Dad's, super thread and I really do feel for those unable to have the same but knowingly can be the 'Dad' to their children, closeness, memories and I hope it all goes well

My Dad and I have a unique relationship as I'm the only blood relative he has (or knows of)

We've a special bond, so different with hobbies, interests but at the same time, extremely alike physically and mentally.

Couldn't do without him even now hitting 30, phone calls most days catching up on a few local stories or just checking in then thanks me for ringing him

He had quite the scare last week which put a lot into perspective so for those close to you, really do cherish it at this moment in time!

lawred2

Canis Lupus wrote: »

He was a miserable git most of his life then he died. I wasn't terribly bothered at the time but now I'm in my late 30's I feel like I wish I had the chance to rewind time a bit but such is life.

My old man is a miserable git right now. Anti social. Neglects his children and his grandchildren. Total contrarian.

A decent Dad in practical ways which was important but never gave or gives himself over to what I see as the good stuff. I don't have many memories from my childhood that involved him. He's absent from almost every happy childhood memory I have. Was never really involved with us as kids and continues in that mode with his grandchildren.

I honestly don't know what he's getting out of life really because he's not a happy man.

We visited at the weekend, my sister visited as well with her family. First time my Mum had us under her roof at the same time in a long while. She was in her element the entire time.

Dad? Well it was as quick as he could take himself off out away from us all. Hanging around outside. I went outside to see what he was up to. Just found him sitting alone in the garage doing nothing.

I felt sad and angry at the same time.

One good thing comes of it, I'm as involved as I possible can be with my three kids and will always be. I want to be their best friend for ever.

I envy those that have a relationship with their Dad's. I see a few in this thread already.

KERSPLAT!

I never knew my dad. I'm glad to be honest because my Grandad was always there and I've never known a better man. If I can be half of that to my son I'll be doing well.

He passed away 4 weeks ago, missing him every day.

Mookie Blaylock

KERSPLAT! wrote: »

I never knew my dad. I'm glad to be honest because my Grandad was always there and I've never known a better man. If I can be half of that to my son I'll be doing well.

He passed away 4 weeks ago, missing him every day.

Ah, sorry to hear that KERSPLAT, best wishes

andekwarhola

We always lived in the city but my nana lived in the country. When visiting as little kids, we'd go walking in up in the forest with him and he'd turn it into an adventure and leave loads of 'clues' to find our way back so you'd feel a bit of worried excitement but safe at the same time.

Autosport

I may be in my 30's but I'm still my Daddies little girl and I wouldn't change it for the world. He worked hard all his life to make sure we had everything we needed and we may not have seen much of him during the week as he worked any extra hours going but Sunday's were family day and off we would go on road trips around the country. He taught me the manly jobs around the house (cutting the grass etc) but I loved it as it was our relationship and I was a tomboy so that helped.

He retired early and recently celebrated his 70th Birthday and is still as fresh as a daisy and loves being involved in the community.

CramCycle

TheBody wrote: »

Growing up on a farm, I never understood why my Dad made me follow him around and watch him fix things and come up with solutions to various problems. I was jealous of my school friends who always seemed to be out playing while I was working with him.

Fast forward to two years ago, I bought my house. I quickly realised that it was virtually impossible to find an available tradesman to do any of the many small jobs around my house. I decided to simply do them all myself. It occurred to me that the reason I knew how to do so many jobs and was skilled with so many tools was all down to my father.

My Dad was the same, saved me alot of time and money. The amount of people who can't do basic jobs. My partner is the same, we are always shocked at how even the most basic of DIY jobs stump co workers and friends. This said, my dad with no formal qualifications could strip any vehicle and rebuild it, built beds and toys for us, taught me how to strip and service a bicycle, basically, if it was broke or in bad shape, he could fix it.

Mine is still here but alas finally had to give up working due to the recession (tipping 80) and the free time seems to have freed up his alcoholism. He was a great Dad and a good man but jesus the booze done a number of him. Last time in detox, aged 78, it took 4 security guards to hold him down after he was given sedatives for the 4th time. I felt bad but also, ashamedly proud, he was a beast of a man and I can only imagine what he could have achieved if he had been given a chance with an education. My Grandmothers last words were the shame she felt that she never sent him to university but his father made him work from an early age to send his siblings.

SeaFields wrote: »

Maybe to flip the op slightly.. I was putting my small one to bed recently. Just before she fell asleep she put her hands around my head, kissed me on the forehead and said "Daddy ... you're my best friend"

It is possibly the greatest feeling I have ever experienced, I hope that I am half the man my father was. Despite his failings he was an exceptional father. He would have stepped in front of a bullet for you without a thought, he gave everything so that myself and my siblings had a good upbringing, despite not a great background. He worked 16 hours a day, 6 days a week, and we wanted for nothing, but we were taught the value of it.

Rikand

My dad has always had these great little sayings and rhymes that he would repeat throughout the day or week or whenever. If my mam was cooking a pork dinner he'd sing the rhyme "yum yum pigs bum cabbage and spud."

My own wife served up bacon to me and the kids the other day and what did I say ? ....

I come out with a different one of his sayings every week.
Its the little amazing things that rub off on you that you don't even realise. Such a brilliant dad and now an amazing grandad too. If I can be even half as good as he is, I'll have done a great job too

Third_Echelon

Great thread!!!

Tell me how

homosapien91 wrote: »

Love reading people's stories about their dads and feel sad about the ones who do not speak with their dad anymore.

My dad is still with us but has had some health scares. Reading the posts from those that have lost their dads is difficult for me because it reminds me that when they are gone, they are gone. Part of me wants to be sure I'm around as much as I can in case something happens but, part of me is also looking to move abroad for a period to have my own experiences etc and every time I think about that, I think of him and I go around in circles of; I should go, but what if, he'd want me to go, but what if and so on.

Every Sunday, I know that he'll be watching GAA and I can call out and watch it with him and have a chat. My eyes are filling up here at the thought that some day, I know, he won't be sitting on the couch when I get there. I know, in a way, I'm lucky to have him around when I notice this so I can spend time with him, but for me to walk away from this, should anything happen, makes it feel like it would be saying good bye to someone before their time.

If this is all very confusing, then you understand exactly what I'm going through.

Graces7

Malayalam wrote: »

Hahaha sorry I have a habit of taking things literally.

It's sad some of the stories where Dads were bad eggs. They can fcuk you up, your Mam and Dad, as the line goes. They were our gods when we were helpless.

Thankfully not so.... emphatically not and probably the abuse .....

myshirt

gmisk wrote: »

The first thing he says when I ring is. "I will get your mum".

That's 100% true about Irish fathers.

You ring home, and if your mam answers it's 'How are you today, did you eat, did you wash, are you sure you're not sick, I hope you're not drinking, when are you coming home, did you ring your sister, let me tell you about Mary down the road, etc'

You ring home and your father answers, and he says 'Hello, here's your mother'.