I wasn't able to see my boys for 7 years at one time. Tore me up. The ex had a plan and it worked till the boys started to root out the truth. I now see them every day, work with em, play with em, fish with em. Have watched as they started their families, helped them grow into fine young men, good fathers, good husbands etc. Most of that 7 years all I could do was tell myself" you times comin man, your times comin........." not much to hold onto, but it's what I had. I've noticed as I get older time is speeding up, and believe me I savor every moment when I'm around people I love, cause it can change in the next moment, that next phone call, the next knock on the door. I do not end any conversation on the phone or in person without telling that person I love em, cause that could very well be the last time I have the chance to say it...
So when your Dad seems a little onery sometimes, maybe he's wishing the time he spends with you would just slow down a bit......