Jun 19, 2022·edited Jun 19, 2022Liked by Don Akchin
Don, so beautifully written. It made me cry for several reasons. Further proof that one never knows what another is going through. I remember your dad clearly….often your family sat a few rows back. I remember him walking your youngest brother (who looked like a miniature version of your dad) into Sunday school. I suppose most of the congregation had no idea that your dad suffered from bipolar disorder. So we kids who knew you were never able to hug you and say we were sorry your life may have been difficult. For me it was different: on the outside everyone could see how disabled my mom was after her stroke at age 48; nobody could really tell what it did to me and my mental/emotional health. Somehow we turned out OK, didn’t we? So here is the big hug I would have given you when we were kids 🥰. With love, Amy (Lerner) Comolli.
Thank you for sharing such beautiful thoughts about your Dad and continuing to let your friends and family know your true self. It is a gift to all of us. Happy Father's Day!!
Don, sorry it took so long to read and reply to your post. My dad was an injured Army combat officer from WWII - a highly thought of teacher during the day, but an alcoholic at home. So many men from that era didn't share their personal struggles or pain for fear of what you described (or as John Wayne put it showing "a sign of weakness"). Just like manna in the desert, God gives us just what we need, just when we need it. Often it may seem like otherwise, but all of us are proof that He has a plan much greater than what the world tells us. Your ability to weave that picture into your eulogy of your father was wonderfully done. Thanks!
beautiful tribute to your father. he was indeed dealt a bad hand. but he did all the things that you described. thank you for a lovely and loving tribute.
Wow!! I loved reading this and getting to know you a bit better too. Brought tears to my eyes. We just never know other peoples stories. If more people shared their stories like this it would be a more empathetic loving world.
Wow, how does a fella add to 41 beautiful comments on your wonderful triibute to your Father, Don. Don't recall ever meeting him during our days at Shreve, but after reading your tribute, felt like I knew him well.... a special guy for sure. Great job Don as we all celebrate our Dads on this special day. You show your inherited courage in so many ways. Happy Father's Day....all the best.
What a beautiful tribute to your father, Don. I remember meeting him once or twice many years ago. I can only imagine how pleased he would have been to see this.
A beautifully written, heartfelt tribute, Don. Your father clearly gave more than he took, and if your siblings are anything like you, he succeeded in creating a family to be proud of. Your piece promotes positive values, and will help your readers cope with issues like depression in themselves and their loved ones.
I remember once Oprah said that the only thing she ever really wished for, she couldn't buy: having been a wanted, loved child. You're a rich man, Don.
You are as strong as your father. Thanks for sharing with an open heart some vulnerable parts of your life. I'm sure your kids have inherited your traits and absorbed other wonderful qualities you have.
Don, so beautifully written. It made me cry for several reasons. Further proof that one never knows what another is going through. I remember your dad clearly….often your family sat a few rows back. I remember him walking your youngest brother (who looked like a miniature version of your dad) into Sunday school. I suppose most of the congregation had no idea that your dad suffered from bipolar disorder. So we kids who knew you were never able to hug you and say we were sorry your life may have been difficult. For me it was different: on the outside everyone could see how disabled my mom was after her stroke at age 48; nobody could really tell what it did to me and my mental/emotional health. Somehow we turned out OK, didn’t we? So here is the big hug I would have given you when we were kids 🥰. With love, Amy (Lerner) Comolli.
Thank you for sharing such beautiful thoughts about your Dad and continuing to let your friends and family know your true self. It is a gift to all of us. Happy Father's Day!!
Don, sorry it took so long to read and reply to your post. My dad was an injured Army combat officer from WWII - a highly thought of teacher during the day, but an alcoholic at home. So many men from that era didn't share their personal struggles or pain for fear of what you described (or as John Wayne put it showing "a sign of weakness"). Just like manna in the desert, God gives us just what we need, just when we need it. Often it may seem like otherwise, but all of us are proof that He has a plan much greater than what the world tells us. Your ability to weave that picture into your eulogy of your father was wonderfully done. Thanks!
Beautiful xx
beautiful tribute to your father. he was indeed dealt a bad hand. but he did all the things that you described. thank you for a lovely and loving tribute.
Wow!! I loved reading this and getting to know you a bit better too. Brought tears to my eyes. We just never know other peoples stories. If more people shared their stories like this it would be a more empathetic loving world.
Wow, how does a fella add to 41 beautiful comments on your wonderful triibute to your Father, Don. Don't recall ever meeting him during our days at Shreve, but after reading your tribute, felt like I knew him well.... a special guy for sure. Great job Don as we all celebrate our Dads on this special day. You show your inherited courage in so many ways. Happy Father's Day....all the best.
What a beautiful tribute to your father, Don. I remember meeting him once or twice many years ago. I can only imagine how pleased he would have been to see this.
This is a masterpiece of empathy and great writing. I'm grateful to you for sharing it with us.
A beautifully written, heartfelt tribute, Don. Your father clearly gave more than he took, and if your siblings are anything like you, he succeeded in creating a family to be proud of. Your piece promotes positive values, and will help your readers cope with issues like depression in themselves and their loved ones.
A good story of a good man. Small wonder that his son grew up to be a mensch himself.
I remember once Oprah said that the only thing she ever really wished for, she couldn't buy: having been a wanted, loved child. You're a rich man, Don.
So moving and so honest. Thanks for sharing this.
Great piece Don
You are as strong as your father. Thanks for sharing with an open heart some vulnerable parts of your life. I'm sure your kids have inherited your traits and absorbed other wonderful qualities you have.
Courage, a trait worth inheriting! Inspiring 🤓😎 Thank you for sharing 👍🏽