Need some advice. Should I ask my dad about.... .?

[BTM]

I  do not know you on a personal level and yet you come across as a very sensible and mature person

Well, you obviously weren't here when I posted that "Immature things you still find funny" thread about a year ago... ;)

Seriously though, thanks for the advice! 

[BTM]

If I were you, I wouldn't ask the question.  Him being a negative person, it's probably not good to make him feel worse about having to give an answer.  It's really better to just move forward, and set up a time you could meet for lunch, go to a football/basketball/whatever game, play some golf, whatever.  Better late than never to bond with your dad.

Good luck!

Well, he still lives in Texas, so face to face stuff will be difficult.

[HappyGilmore]

I'm in a situation with my dad, where he left when I was very young, 3 or so.  From 3 to now (26), I have what's basically a non-relationship with the man, partially by choice.  Had nothing but letdown after letdown by the guy until I was 23 or so and he suddenly needed a place to live and my mother let him move back in with us, temporarily.  The 'temporary" changed from 2 weeks to about 4 months, as he had a heart attack while with us and my mom didn't wanna kick him out.

The whole 4 months, he did kinda attempt to reconcile, but then moved out.  Shortly later, his job transferred him to Florida.  He called to ask if I wanted to move with him.  I declined.  I felt he made his choice a long long time ago to not want me around, so I'm gonna make the same choice.  Especially considering his history of being a thief and alcoholic. 

I was tempted to ask why he left and the circumstances.  But rather than re-opening old wounds, I've since decided I'd rather not be completely hurt by the guy and just as well go on not even thinking about him.

In your situation, at least you have some sort of relationship with him.  If he's got some health issues that may cause him to pass early or anything, I'd say your best way would be to just ask so it's not a lingering question you'll never know the answer to.  That could turn into a positive thing for you, though.  You could find out his answer and, depending on what it is, you could then talk about his decisions to make a better relationship now.