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/value-for-value   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: ht