Mark Twain said it best (and I paraphrase):
"When I was 16, my father was the most ignorant person I knew. When I turned 23, I was amazed at how much he had learned in 7 years."
My dad and I weren't really close (mostly my fault) until about 6 years ago. He got cancer, survived, and has been in great health since. My grandpa died when my dad was was 23, so my dad really had no one to go to with "I'm buying a house" or "My boss licks moose cock" advice and learned it all the hard way. After my dad recovered his health 6 years ago, we've become very close and I've discovered what a vast wealth of knowledge he is. The guy can't be all that bad. He bought me Neo Nectaris from TZD on my 17th birthday!!
Life's too short, especially when you get in the job, kids, marriage stage.
As a matter of fact, my dad is visiting me right now. I'm in Michigan and he planned a business trip from NC so we could golf and catch a hockey game tomorrow. Dads Rock, and I wish yours a speedy recovery!!