The older I get the happier I am that I had the father I did: an old, tough, Italian that pretty much only spoke to me to yell at me when I ****ed up or to teach me what to do. RIP, dad, you did a great job, thank you.
I had a tough German father, expected a lot and never acknowledged what I did accomplish, recently chatted with my sister (also Cal grad) and asked her is she ever remembered him giving her an 'atta girl": .. none, same for me, I know he just didn't have it in him, but toughness should be tempered with a little softness.. I have worked hard to do better with my girls