This is an interesting thread for me to read. My father just passed away December 3rd. I'm thinking about his life now, and where he went wrong. My bro and I lost touch with him after we became teenagers. I'm nearly 30 now. Just went to his mom's house to drop off his ashes. His whole side of the family are almost like strangers to me. She lent me a video of when he was little. If only I could get a VCR to work around here. I'm thinking I could've really used my father even more so when I got older. I honestly don't think he was a bad man, or even a bad father. He tried his best within the circumstances. His father "taught" him to hit women........that's why my mom divorced him. If only he could've learned how to control his behavior when the time was right. He then drank and drank to deal with his failures and losses. This is what ultimately lead to his death. He tried to turn it around, but it was too late, his body crapped out. I'm so sad that him and I were practically strangers too because I think I'm like my dad.....his good qualities at least. In a way though.......I believe that my parents' downfalls have shaped me into who I am today. I've really been able to learn from their mistakes. On the other hand........one thing I've noticed with my mom and brother is that my mom tends to baby him. I just think this leads to more immature men who cannot step up when it becomes time for them to be fathers. I think you have to teach young boys very early on what it means to be a real man. You have to give them responsibility and teach them the rewards of fulfilling their responsibilities because otherwise they will just want to stay boys forever, or course.