Dad was a quiet man who did not readily express his feelings. I learned over time that this was common among many of the "Greatest Generation" who grew up during the Depression and World War II. They had been toughened by their circumstances and were uncomfortable with public expressions of feelings. My dad was also part of a very large family living hard, rural lives in the deep south.
It is difficult to appreciate how these experiences as well as being in a war torn area, particularly, Dachau, at the conclusion of the war could affect an 18 year old kid from the rural south who had never been away from home. He thought he had been through tough times, but he saw firsthand how bad things could really be.
Even though he was not very expressive of his feelings, I knew our family was loved. He worked hard and showed his love by being a provider. He made sure we had a safe and secure home. He did not gamble, drink alcohol or ever abandon his responsibilities. He was dedicated to his kids and wife of 66 years.
My dad never tried to build himself up, brag or pretend to be something he was not. He was a quiet, reserved, unpretentious and honorable man.
Allen Bellew