I don’t really think of my dad as an old guy, and mostly it’s because he doesn’t act like one. He’s 78, but he’s done a good job of not letting the old man in, as Clint Eastwood famously put it.
He does all the same stuff I’ve always known him to do, for the most part (though maybe ten years ago we did successfully convince him not to climb trees with a chainsaw when he’s by himself at the lake house). He doesn’t even really do it more slowly yet, though he might not do it for as long. What used to be a 10-hour day working around the house might be 6 now, say.
He says a couple of old guy things, though. One thing he does is mutter occasionally about the “children”—both who he perceives them to be and their perceived role in the world. In this usage, children are basically anyone a generation or more younger than he is. If he can’t figure out a piece of tech quickly, he might say it’s because “children designed it,” for example. Or if he sees a boldly-designed car—I specifically remember a Hyundai Veloster being the subject here—he’ll say “the children sure are doing crazy things with styling.”
The other one is an ongoing tragicomic commentary on his mortality. He’s fond of pointing out, with a laugh, when he’s probably buying something for the last time. “Well, that’s probably the last water heater I’ll ever buy!” “Most things I buy have a lifetime warranty now!” Heh.
Love you, Dad. Glad you’re here.
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I have always been a visual person. I see things in a true and honest brain established way. So, my question is to others, hoping they will see as I do. The, question is twofold: First is to look at the back of my hands and answer do they look old – Yes or No. Then Secondly, respond if they show a usage of aged knowledge and wisdom? Perhaps, Seeing is believing, however only you can know the value of this action.
Fred L.Von Gunten, O.D.
You nailed me.
Great post