Brian, I identify with your situation. My dad {a retired Firefighter} was an abusive alchoholic, and with my being the oldest, I took the brunt of his abuse. That I was always a rebellious type just added fuel to the fire. After my parents divorced I was estranged from him for 10 years. Fate however intervened in a big way, when as an adult I inadvertently moved ACROSS THE STREET FROM HIM!!!!!I had no choice but to reconnect with him. I found that although he still drank heavily {something we have in common unfortunately} he had mellowed considerably, and the ice began to thaw.

Now we've become close, and watch The Bengals games together every Sunday. My wife and I plan on going on vacation with he and my stepmom next summer. He's not in the greatest of health, so we're going to do this while he's still capable. Life is too short for family feuds.

bc