Luckies4me,

Those pictures are wonderful and something that should be framed!

When my Dad died, I found an awesome picture of him (keep in mind, there were VERY few pix of my Dad since, being a photographer, he was always the one behind the camera). It showed his softer side. I took it to a guy in the mall who did a charcoal portrait from it and framed it. I am so glad I did it. The portrait is phenomenal!! It shows every little detail down to his tattoos and Libra sign necklace. I never regret spending the money to have it done.

My Dad too was a happy drunk. He was never abusive, he just treated his own depression through Dr. Smirnoff (vodka). He came from the old schooling that depression is something that is swept under the rug and never discussed. You just pulled yourself up by your bootstraps and dealt with it.

I commend you for being so strong. Cherish the time you have with both your Dad and your son. I do hope your Mom comes around too. Life is way too short. My brother, who hadn't spoken to my Dad in over 15 years, found out the hard way the day he got the phone call from me telling me his father was dead. He's had to live with that ever since. Too bad, but that was HIS choice, just as my Dad's drinking was his.

Hang in there. If you ever feel like talking, I'll PM you my phone number. You can never had too many shoulders.

((((((hugs))))))))