My Dad used biting teasing as a way to mask his own feelings, and it was probably the case at the time. He was probably feeling pretty emotional about me getting married but didn't know how to express that. But I had been the target of so much of his mean teasing, and it always hurt my feelings excruciatingly, so I was not able to see through his words to his heart. I am sure if he had known I took that to heart and stayed in an unhealthy marriage because of it he would have been as mortified as my mother. But the words came out and seared into my consciousness and here we are. It goes to prove how powerful words can be.

I am glad your dad has softened in his old age. I feel certain if my dad had lived he would have become a real teddy bear.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. ♥