When did you realize your parents were "characters"?

Why Parents Drink​

A father passing by his son's bedroom was astonished to see that his bed
was nicely made and everything was picked up.
Then he saw an Envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to 'Dad.'

With the worst premonition he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.

Dear Dad: It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you.
I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you.

I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice.

But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos,
tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am.
But it's not only the passion...Dad she's pregnant.
Stacy said that we will be very happy.

She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood
for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.

Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone.

We'll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the
other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy.

In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure
for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it.

Don't worry Dad. I'm 15 and I know how to take care of myself.

Someday I'm sure that we will be back to visit so that
you can get to know your grandchildren.
Love, Your Son John

PS. Dad, none of the above is true.
I'm over at Tommy's house.

I Just wanted to remind you that there are worse things
in life than a Report card That's in my center desk drawer.

I love you. Call me when it's safe to come home
 
I realized my parents were "characters" when I found the scripts they'd been reciting whenever they'd speak to me. Then I found out the so-called "nextdoor neighbor" who was over visiting all the time and always sat in this folding canvas chair, was really the director and our living room was actually a stage set.

It was all a play and we were all characters!!!

Quite a shock, let me tell you!!!!
 
Growing up, I always looked at my father as a buttoned-up business man and my mother as loving housewife who was an emotional mess. When they became elderly they became characters.

I was at my father's house one day and he said he was being attacked by catbirds when going to the mailbox. He said "If only I had my slingshot I wouldn't have to worry." He also lined up matches outside their sliding doors because he said it would keep frogs away because it would "burn their bellies".

I took my mother to Red Lobster years ago for lunch. She had a cheese biscuit and said "I feel like I've died and gone to heaven". I said "If only", and we both guffawed. There were also times when I said something she didn't like and she would slowly scratch her forehead with her middle finger in my direction. She was indeed a character.
 
My father made up silly rhymes and songs...not the typical father type. He could also be counted on to tell us stories of the old days. As little kids, we would pounce on him when he came in after work, tired and hoping for a quick nap. Yet he would tell us a story. Just WOW. Who does that now?
 
I think rather recently. They were many things including funny! I wish they were still here. They were complicated contradictions! I have to think some more about it and get back to you.
 
My bedroom was upstairs from my parent's. I was about 13 when their bed began to squeak. Squeak, squeak, squeak. Then quiet. About 15 minutes later, squeak, squeak......my mom yelled out, "you god damn animal".
I still can't picture my dad as an "animal".
 
My dad was secretive and aloof pretending to do god's work as a means to his own insecurities and weaknesses.
 

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