Craig Farewell To His Father Chapter Summaries

In these last few chapters Craig opens up to the reader about his feelings towards Rudell. He confesses he's always wanted an apology, and a connection of some sort with his father. A fond memory to remember him by perhaps. But once again, when looking for answers he never finds any. When his father says 'I love you' to Craig for the first time in his life, it dulls the anger he's held in his heart for so long. But he's not quite ready to let go, stating the anger and pride is what had gotten him this far in life. Of course he always had his mother and his uncle Oscar, but they could never take the place of a father. In his last few years when Craig sees Rudell, he is noticeably weaker and sick. Ormand and Opal take care of Rudell until he is in the convalescent center where Craig sees his father for the last time. Rudell seemed a little confused, and forgetful. He spoke about Hoot and George even

Not just for leaving him but because he did not seem to care about much of anything only on rare, brief occasions did he show compassion. Ormand who was always one to take care of Rudell usually got the short end of the stick. Rudell took full advantage of his size and worked him hard when building fence, or other hard labor. He even stealshis girlfriend without remorse, and has her around in front of his face. Though Ormand may have dodged a bullet with Brandy in retrospect. I feel like it must have been easier for Rudell to not care about anything, considering all the disappointments from the bad decisions in his life. But I really don’t understand how Ormand endured Rudell, and then taking care of him so easily after all he'd put Ormand through. The book doesn't really say directly, but I suppose Craig made amends with resentment against his father. I mean he did prove to be a better father, and is more successful in his writing than Rudell ever was in gold