Over the years, I never thought of my father as being very emotional（感性）. He never was, 1 not in front of me. My father never told me he loved me when I was a child，and I never held it against him. I think that all I really wanted was for my dad to be 2 of me.
On November 9th, 1990, I received 3 that my National Guard unit would be sent to the front. I went on to my father and gave him the news. I could feel he was 4 about me going. We never 5 it much more, and eight days later I was gone.
A few days after Thanksgiving I was able to call my wife. She told me that my father said his usual Thanksgiving prayer（祷告）. But this time he 6 one last sentence. As he lowered his voice and a tear ran 7 his cheek, he said, “Dear Lord, please 8 over and guide my son, Rick, with your hand in his time of need as he 9 his country, and bring him to home 10.” At that point he burst into tears I had never seen my father cry, and when I heard this, I couldn't help but cry myself.
Eight months later, when I returned home from 11, I ran over and hugged my wife and children in tears. When I came to my father, I gave him a huge hug. He whispered in my ear, “I'm very proud of you, Son, and I love you.” I looked that man, my dad, 12 in the eyes as I held his head between my hands and I said, I love you too, Dad,” and we hugged again. And then together, both of us cried.
Ever since that day, my 13 with my father has never been the same. We have had many 14 conversations. I learned that he's always being proud of me, and he's not afraid to say “I love you” anymore. 15 am I. I'm just sorry it took 29 years and a war to find it out.
