I Forgive You Dad - Happy 99th Birthday

Full Post: https://www.djvalerieblove.com/post/i-forgive-you-dad In this intimate reflection recorded on what would have been my Dad, Fast Eddie’s 99th birthday, I share the complicated truth of loving a tough father shaped by war, hardship, addiction, and old-school beliefs. From Detroit streets and Coney Island hot dogs to long days at the racetrack and whispered mob connections, I revisit the chaotic, colorful backdrop of my childhood—and the ways it forged my resilience, boundaries, and hustle. As I recount a rare conversation we captured on a camcorder about his World War II and Korea memories, I explore the compassion that grew when I finally heard his pain. This episode is a love letter and a letting go: a practice in forgiveness and gratitude for a man who never found peace but taught me grit, commitment, and how to make a killer Sunday sauce. I imagine him riding beside me in the mountains, meeting his grandkids, and seeing the world I love—technology, music, and awe—through softer eyes. Here’s to healing old stories, honoring our complicated people, and choosing to keep our hearts open. (00:30) Funky Friday and remembering Fast Eddie(01:04) Growing up near Detroit and a turbulent home(02:17) Health struggles, alcohol, and not feeling safe(02:44) Silence about the past and a Coney Island interview plan(03:44) Anger, school ambition, and patriarchal rules(05:35) Realizing dads mafia ties and Detroit memories(07:16) Life at the racetrack and a painful bulimia origin(10:04) War memories: survivors guilt and compassion(11:12) Self-medication, soul hole, and glimpses of joy(11:54) Abandonment, boys homes, and being the peacemaker(12:57) Forgiveness, gratitude, and a violent world today(14:15) Imagining dad beside her on a mountain drive(15:01) Pasta sauce, family warmth, and closure(15:33) Lessons, hustle, and a birthday goodbye❤️ Join the LOVE Tribe for Free!https://djvalerieblove.com/subscribe SUPPORT THE SHOW WITH V4V TIPS - Thank You! https://djvalerieblove.com/contribute SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTYOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@djvaleriebloveWEBSITE: https://djvalerieblove.com/podcastFOUNTAIN.FM: https://fountain.fm/show/761jhxFiibErm7eZZdltAPPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dj-valerie-b-love-podcast/id1441540841SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kZfzFZ3wKmWiljDajrJZ5?si=a9433473b06f464bRUMBLE: https://rumble.com/c/c-6698813RSS: https://serve.podhome.fm/rss/4996bcea-e098-5a89-ac63-af7a3df7cb5d FOLLOW DJ Valerie X: https://x.com/djvaleriebloveNOSTR: https://primal.net/djvaleriebloveSUBSTACK: https://djvalerieblove.substack.com/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/djValerieBLoveINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/djvalerieblove/LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj-valerie-b-love/ DJ VALERIE’S FAVORITE TOOLS START9 - 5% OFF - Run a Node https://store.start9.com/discount/LOVEBITCOIN MENTOR - FREE consult for self-custody https://bitcoinmentor.io/aff/love/ AUDIBLE - Get 2 FREE Audiobooks https://www.audibletrial.com/bitcoinSHAMORY - Have Fun Learn Bitcoin 10% Discount shamory.com/loveSATSBACK - Get Bitcoin rewards when you shop https://satsback.com/register/Ezv2VLwKXgLd8X4Z DJ VALERIE’S FAVORITE EVENTShttps://www.adoptingbitcoin.org/https://btcplusplus.dev/https://baltichoneybadger.com/https://bitblockboom.com/https://unconfiscatable.com/https://bitcoinunconference.com/https://afrobitcoin.org/https://oslofreedomforum.com/https://denver.space/ BUY, TRADE, STORE, MINE BITCOINHODL HODL no KYC https://hodlhodl.com/join/NMKLQ RIVER FINANCIAL Buy Bitcoin Safely -Get Up to $100 in FREE Bitcoin https://partner.river.com/LOVE TREZOR - Get 10% OFF Trezor 5.0 and Onboarding Call https://affil.trezor.io/SHcTCOLDCARD Discount 5%- Promo Code “PEACE” store.coinkite.com/promo/PEACESAZ MINING - Get $50 OFF your Bitcoin Mining Order https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=DJVALALTAIR TECH - Get 1% OFF - Code "LOVE" - Mine Bitcoin and HEAT your home https://altairtech.io/ DJ VALERIE'S FAVORITE IDEASWHAT IS VALUE FOR VALUE? - ADAM CURRY https://value4value.info/about/