Friday, September 25, 2015

Archie P. Buie, Jr. Happy Birthday



Archie Patterson Buie, Jr.

Today is my Dad’s 89th birthday. Though he has been gone for two years I still find “celebrating” his birthday without him more than a bit painful/sad.

I miss him as much now as I did when he took off without us. Not that I/we don’t have good times remembering anecdotes about him because we do, lots of them, and I must say it does help to think that he’s making up for lost time somewhere, flying fast jets, catching huge bass, snorkeling for blue crabs, and messin’ around with some unsuspecting woman.

In spite of PTSD, survivor’s syndrome, multiple divorces and other of life's negatives, he did enjoy himself. He left behind many whom he loved, and who loved him. What more can one ask for?

For me, he was one of the bravest men I've known. He was also a “hard-headed cuss” that life had to “kick upside the head” every once in a while-or more often-to get him to pay attention.

So today, on his birthday, my celebration is about loving the man who was/is my father and all that he was and all that he gave to me.
Today is about being thankful for who I am because Archie Buie was my father.

I love you Dad. Fly high and catch a big one for me… 

Korea, fighter pilot

Married to my mom
With all his kids in the 1960's

With all his kids all grown up in the 2000's

Our "flower child" father.

Proud grandfather with co-grandfather

Happy times at Christmas

In his last year 2012/13

Thank you Dad, for everything.

23 comments:

  1. Hi Lisa - absolutely wonderful story line - and definitely Happy Birthday to Archie ... wherever he may be, no doubt still enjoying all his jaunts. Wonderful photos ... and that flower-power one is a classic! Fantastic ... here's to those many happy memories you all have - cheers Hilary

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    1. Thanks Hilary. I love when you drop by. People used to ask me if my Dad was an Native American when he looked like this!

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  2. I'm sorry you can't celebrate with him. He sounds like a character.

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  3. One of the toughest times growing up is the day you learn your parents aren't perfect. But even with their quirks and blemishes, we still love them.

    Your dad sounds like an interesting, heroic guy.
    Hugs, Lisa.

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    1. So right Melissa. I think it's a good lesson in forgiveness and being humble...

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  4. I love that you still remember him on his birthday like this. Keep him always in your heart, Lisa :) Thanks for sharing his story!

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    1. Thanks Randi, for the thoughts. It isn't hard to come up with memories to write about him.

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  5. Anonymous12:58 PM

    What a wonderful tribute! Thank God for memories and photos. Happy Birthday to him in that great airfield in the sky.

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  6. Great memories Lisa. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Birthday Archie

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    1. Thanks Jo. I was glad also that my mum was here to share the day with me.

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  7. Happy birthday to your father. He was a great American.

    Is that the headstone the VA provides? Just curious.

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    1. Yes John, it is. They were wonderful about it. We had to provide the granite (cemetery regulations) but they provided the plaque. I thought they did a great job on it. Thanks for coming by...

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  8. Your dad sounds like an amazing guys and this post was so beautiful. I am sorry for your loss, but it is wonderful that you keep him alive through your memories. Great pictures of him through the years!
    ~Jess

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    1. Thanks Jess. I appreciate your comments. I love looking through and picking out photos of him!

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  9. Loving someone all your life is a hard habit to break. I like to think loved ones are never far away. :-)

    Anna from Elements of Writing

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  10. A wonderful tribute, Lisa. Just the kind of guy I'd love to hear stories from. :)

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  11. Aw! What sweet words. It doesn't matter how early or late in life you lose them, it's always hard when these anniversaries roll around. Sending cheese your way!

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  12. I had a tear or two with this one. I loved my dad tons and miss him daily. I can see that yours had a long one with all the twists and turns that long life bestows. Wonderful tribute.

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  13. It looks like he was a very pleasant person.

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  14. I'm sorry he's no longer with you but this was a beautiful tribute. I love his long hair! He sure sounds like he was an amazing man.

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  15. Enjoyable life with hard working. PTSD

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