"Dentures for Dad," Help Robert Smile Again

This is my dad, Robert.

I'm a big friggen' nerd, and it's all his fault. But I'm very lucky for that. When I was growing up, he patiently taught me how to game. When I was in the 4th grade, he showed me how to play Dungeons and Dragons. I thought it was wild there were other kinds of dice out there other than a six-sided. We'd also spend loads of hours playing Diablo 2, Roller Coaster Tycoon, Baldur's Gate....lots of others. The older picture is a photo of us from the webcam that sat atop the computer we'd play on.

My dad and I don't call each other often. Birthdays and Father's Day of course...and that's about it honestly. It's not a bad thing, it's just who we are. We know we love each other though. It's always obvious when I manage to go visit. We'll grab lunch, he'll show me what he's been playing recently, and we'll catch up.

Recently my dad and I were texting back and forth. I had just finished watching Andor and wanted to see if he had watched it yet. He's a huge Star Wars fan (nerd). I also begged him to play Baldur's Gate 3 (nerd), because he would absolutely LOVE it. that's when he told me that he has been having some health troubles recently. There are other issues, but the big one is his teeth.

With his permission I've posted our conversation, slightly edited.

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Me

Heyo pops! Have you seen Rogue One and Andor yet?

Dad

Rogue One yes. Andor a few episodes.

Me

It is sooooo good. Probably my favorite offering of the new Star Wars stuff they've put out.

Dad

It is good. I'd agree. How are you doing? We are gonna wait a while before we got to Epic. Let the newness wear off. Stacy sez the hotels are booking fast and furious.

Me

I've been doing pretty well! Over at epic about once a month or so. Yeah, id definitely wait.

Dad

"Pretty good". That worries me. You ok?

Me

Lol yeah, stressing out a smidge because im moving into my own place for the first time. =s

Dad

Oh. I see.

Me

Finances are definitelyyyy going to take a hit, but im excited to have a place all on my own. =) But truly, other than that, ive been good. ^.^

Dad

Yes. Discretionary spending will fall away. But it's just you.

Me

Indeed. =S I DO love a party haha

Dad

LOL yes you do. Any boyfriend yet?

Me

Nahhhh. Feel like im too much of a free spirit lol

Dad

Well Mr. Free spirit...you aren't getting any younger. Perhaps you're too independent.

Me

Lol, orrrrr Im very particular. There have been a few sparks. 3 that I was truly into, but it didn't work out. So i AM open to it.

Dad

=[

Me

It's okay. =] My happiness is apt. ^.^

Dad

Ok as long as you're happy.

Me

I have great friends, my social needs are met. Always could have more money, but couldn't we all. =P

Dad

I now have all this 50th anniversary D&D books but nobody is playing. Wished I'd kept my old D&D stuff. Lots of source material. Don't miss all the rules though. 5th edition is much smoother and easier to play.

Me

PLAY BALDURS GATE! They added new subclasses around the time you started playing and ive been dying to play it.

Dad

ok ok. I've been feeling very poorly lately. I did pre order borderlands 4

Me

Ahh...never played that one.

Dad

It's great fun I've played around 2000 hours of Borderlands 3. I got loads of good gear. I got loads of junk too. Guess I'm just.......wait for it.......full of crap.

Me

Oh bless...

(realizing I missed him saying he's been feeling poorly)

What's going on?

Dad

My teeth for one. I wanted to talk to you about starting a go fund me for my dentures. You have a big social media footprint. I came up with "Dentures for Dad." I spoke to your sister and she said you had more clout online. What do you think? No is ok.

Me

I have some clout, im no influencer. Lot of gays lol. I'd love to though. What's your target?

Dad

10k

Me

Dang, dentures are pricey lol

Dad

Take care of your teeth

Me

Insurance can't cover any of it?

Dad

2k Insurance. Insurance is good for routine stuff. But when you get root canals and crowns it doesn't help much.

Me

Not gonna lie...10k is a pretty big number. But i'll do my best. You deserve it pops. <3

Dad

Again no is an okay answer.

Me

You're in a lot of pain?

Dad

Not presently. I just had two extractions. But I'm out of molars. And the rest are done.

Me

Ah i see. Makes eating difficult?

Dad

Yes very difficult. Using teeth meant for another purpose. It's wearing out the remaining teeth quick. It's causing a little bit of pain in my sinus cavity. I may go to Mexico to get work done. Implants there are about 6-7 k. I'd have to go twice at least.

Me

Okay. We'll see what we can do.

Dad

I sure appreciate it. it's a lot. And I'll take whatever generosity I can get with humility and graciousness. I have an instagram.

Me

Okie doke. Just followed you on insta...but fair warning it is very much meant for the gays. My content is somewhat spicy sometimes.

Dad

I happen to love a gay man...you. I have no worries. Literally beggars can't be choosers.

Me

I'll try and get it up and running on Monday.

Dad

Roger and thank you son.

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If my sister and I's love alone could afford him his smile again, we'd be set. But we can't buy dentures with love. He is the biggest teddy bear of a man, and he is often the reason a lot of people smile - even with his corny-ass dad jokes. My dad is a big reason I am the man I am today. I'd very much like to give him a smile too. I feel like it's the least I can do.

If you're able to give, thank you. Truly my gratitude will be unending.

Donations of at least $40 will receive a personalized thank you from my dad along with a corny AF dad joke.

(He suggested it be called a "deward" rather than a "reward.")

If all you can do is read my dad's story, then thank you. His warmth and love are pretty stellar and I'm grateful you got to see just a small piece of it here. If it made you smile, then please consider sharing our fundraiser with your friends.

Again...Thank you.

-Mike, a grateful son to a proud father.