My best buddy was my dad. Sadly, he passed away recently. :crying:

My dad and I have been doing stuff together every week since I was born over 21 years ago, such as going to sprint car races and ballgames and such. Now he passed away unexpectedly and I feel terrible I never sat down and told him how truly thankful I am that I have him as a father. We just always did things, had a great time, and moved on to the next adventure.

I talked to him everyday, in person or on the phone. I talked to him on a Thursday night and talked about our plans for the weekend and what race we should go to. So when the weekend came and he didn't answer his phone or the door, I knew something was terribly wrong. I miss him more than anything in the world and I'm terribly depressed. I just wish I could talk to my dad in person again. I've tried watching races and ballgames over the weekend on my own recently and it just doesn't feel the same without him.

Father's Day is coming up soon and each one of you should sit down for a good while and tell your father how you truly feel about him. But, maybe don't even wait till Father's Day this Sunday, tell him right now. Don't wait for an occasion like that, because it could be too late by then.

Right now, I'm a mess. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I hurt all over. I'm crushed and I miss my dad. He was more than just my dad, he's my best buddy.

http://www2.indystar.com/cgi-bin/obi...=show&id=92504

Sorry to hear that, Richie. I know that my dad and I have seen you guys all over at the races for years. Hopefully I'll see you at the track sometime real soon...

Richie, I just don't have words to say. But, I have to say something. I was fortunate enough to have met your Dad, liked him instantly, and could see how proud you were of him and he of you. Having been blessed with a father/son relationship much like yours, I feel the pain of losing my Dad all over again, even after 21 years. And I hurt for you as well.

I have been comforted by realizing that my Dad was a gift God gave me for awhile and by the belief that we'll be reunited one day. Until then, I have great memories, and giant footsteps to follow. I pray that in time you will be find solace with similar thoughts.

Our sincere condolences to you my friend.

Marv & Judy Fish

Richie, I don't know you, however I can feel your pain. I lost my dad over 18 years ago. He was my racing buddy. I still think of him each and every time I go to the races. I feel that he is with me at every race. Just think of all the good times the both of you had. It will just take time to get over the hurt. That emptiness will be with you forever. Hang in there. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Richie, you have my condolences. I feel your pain and will keep you in my prayers. Hold onto to the fond memories you have of your Dad, they will get you through this difficult time. My Dad passed away 9 years ago after battling cancer for 6 years, I still miss him all the time. It is all right to miss your Dad, that feeling will never leave you; it is part of holding onto the memories you two have shared.

Patti

Richie,
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I've met you and your dad on many occasions and you both were the nicest of people. But rest assured he'll still be watching races with you, just from the best seats in the house. I think I'll take your advice and call my dad right now. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Lee Sylvia

Richie
I just lost my mom a month ago and her viewing was on Mothers day.Maybe it is kinda a tribute to your dad to pass before Fathers day..Some one sent me a card that said
Your Mom is in a better place, cherish the memories@things she taught you. Your sadness will soon be smiles in her memory.
I didnt understand it very much at the time but you will understand it more as time goes on. Time has a way of healing you some.

Richie: There's nothing I can say that will make you feel any better, but based on my own experience, those memories you made with your dad WILL help you get through this. Of course you'll always miss him but with time the pain will ease.

Richie, although I don't know you,I am so sorry about your loss.

You know, I think about what it will be like when I lose my dad. He missed the Indy 500 this year for the first time in 51 years due to his advanced age (pushing 80). I went without him, but it was just not the same. It will be hard for you to go to that first race without him. But remember, he wouldn't want you to stay home on account of that. You can speak to him about Eldora, Winchester or all of your favorite tracks in your prayers. He's still watching with you, just from a different vantage point.

My dad brought me into this world (with a little help from ma), he brought me to this greatest sport in the Universe - open wheel racing. If he never ever did anything else for me, I would be eternally grateful just for that. I'll bet you feel the same way too.

You'll think about him every day, but as time passes it will be easier as sadness turns into fond recollections of the good times that you spent with him. Life will go on. Have fun with it - the way he would want you to.

Richie, I do have something to say.
IM sorry for your loss, Nothing can replace that but allow the memories you shared to last a lifetime

You never said how you felt but being there and doing things are more than any words can say. Im sure he knew that.

Chuck, who needs to follow my own advice and make more time for family.