This is me (on the left) at the start of this summer, and Dad (with his granddaughter Drew) on the right, from 24 years ago. Both of us are just a few months shy of our 62nd birthdays here. Dad’s was July 1999, mine is next month.
Dad’s face is a bit more worn than my own, probably from his tobacco and beer; but he was married over 40 years, and raised 6 kids. I’m sure that will age anyone.
I can remember not too long after this photo of Dad was taken, my sister Shawn called me at the office and told me Dad had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I can still recall looking down at my shirt, feeling silly for wearing something with so many stripes and not even aware I was crying, until my coworker Lisa came over to my desk to ask what was wrong.
Dad would be gone February 2001, 6 months after he turned 63.
I guess I’ve just been thinking about it a bit lately, turning 62 and wondering what’s in store. I hope it’s not cancer. I’ve never been fond of the quote “like father like son”, now more than ever. I feel like my life is just getting started… I wonder how my dad felt when he was my age?
Anyway, that’s all I have to share today, I just wanted to put something new out there. I’m heading to the senior center with my tablet (e-reader) after I post this, we’re dealing with a real heat wave and the Tiffany’s cooling system can’t handle temps 88F and higher.
I hope things are cool in your corner of the world, and thanks for stopping by.
Nice post Duggie. I think you look a tad younger in some of your other recent photos. Dad appears to have seen a lot more sun than you. Just keep up with your own doctor to make sure and avoid any life-changing owies. You're already on the right track by avoiding tobacco, beer and 6 children! Have fun on your adventures today! It's hot again in K.C. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteYou are funny and kind! Thank you Linda, hope you can stay out of the heats way today. 🙂
DeleteWe are not having any heat, just a little rain and temps in the sixties. I hope your heat wave passes by quickly! I think you look great and that you'll remain healthy, friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you DJan! And I envy your temps (and tall trees and mystical lakes). :^)
DeleteHaving seen a photo of your mom, I think you favour her more than your dad. The hairline and nose are pretty much the same though.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with an earlier comment - monitor your health and continue to make healthy choices.
Oh, I can attest to the fact that kids do age you. And I only had two!
Thanks Maebeme! Well, when I was a kid my grandma used to tell me I look just like my dad when he was a little boy. But he was pretty handsome and his younger years, and I didn't look like him much then, darn it. As for you only raising two kids, that sounds like plenty to me! 🙂
DeleteYou definitely do not look 62 and your Dad looks older. I'd say you're doing something right. Keep up the good work. It is hot (90+ degrees) in Massachusetts. Nice cool Fall weather will be greatly appreciated whenever it arrives.
ReplyDeleteSusan, this was so nice what you said here, Thank you. I'm surprised it's so hot in Massachusetts, I had no idea you guys got those temps as well. And I couldn't agree more about the fall weather, I'm ready!
DeleteNo doubt a large part of your Dad's older looking appearance was due to the cancer already growing inside of him. I lost my own father to cancer but at least my Dad was in his 90's so got a generous helping of years. Glad pipe smoking is out of vogue. Also very hot here in the southern outskirts of Ottawa. My go to is cold lemonade with plenty of ice cubes.
ReplyDeleteThank you Florence, my gosh you are so right about my dad and having the cancer in him. I should share younger pictures of him, he was quite the handsome man. Well, I hope you're keeping cool and FYI lemonade is my drink as well! I like it a little tart, but with lots of ice. 🙂
DeleteHi Doug, you look much younger than 62. I do see a resemblance between you and your Dad. I love the fact that you feel your life is just getting started! Hope you are able to keep cool at the Senior Centre!❤️
ReplyDeleteRobin, thanks so much for this lovely comment! In fact I did just get home from the center, it closed at 2:00. It was pretty quiet today as a lot of people canceled lunch, I guess they didn't want to go out in the heat.
DeleteWait, I hit enter too soon haha! Anyway thank you again, and I hope you and Chuck are keeping cool as well. 🙂
DeleteI ran errands for a couple hours this morning. Hot, hot, hot! Chuck called from work and said he was roasting. Three more days of this!🥵
DeleteYou look great, very dashing! Your dad looks almost like he knows what's coming. Pensive. I love the social outings that you're doing lately and the enjoyment (and great stories) you're getting out of them. Sorry for the heat! We're in a cool pattern right now and I prefer that. :)
ReplyDeleteMargaret, I always enjoy your comments a lot thank you. I really liked what you said about my dad here, I think it's true. I did hear that things are cool in your neck of the woods, I'm very glad for you as I am more than ready for fall. 🙂
DeleteDug, I enjoy comparison pics. And I think your dad and you do look similar... but he does look a little more 'worn' than you... and yes, 6 kids could definitely do that! I lost my dad to cancer at 75, sister at 51, and brother at 59. I'm the lucky one... have/had it, but am a survivor. I think your healthy life and outlook will keep you well. Sorry about the heat... but Fall is coming (but definitely not here yet).
ReplyDeleteThank you Rian, and thanks for sharing too. Gosh it's one thing to lose your dad, but your siblings at such a young age too. I'm very glad you survived, and I'm sure when it comes to heat I'm an amateur compared to yourself!
DeleteI believe you have said your dad worked hard too, and he definitely had a lot going on in his life. You do look young. I think we start thinking about our end of life around this age. Joyce
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Joyce, he did work very hard his entire life. But thank you for the kind words, I don't mean to sound morbid, it's just going to feel weird outliving my dad. Well, if I do.
DeleteYes, we have our a/c on. Your poor father, so young when he died. There is a family resemblance between you. I can't believe he had six kids. That's 4 too many.
ReplyDeleteHaha, thank you Gigi! Yes my parents did have four more than they needed! Anyway, yes he and my mom both died way too soon. And if you ever need that house boy..😉
DeleteIt's only a two day heat wave, then fall begins. At least that's how I read it here in Portage County, Ohio, an hour from the PA border and straight as an arrow from Pittsburgh, mostly.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, you do look more fit than your dad at the same age, and probably from a healthier life. Keep it up. Keep going to the Senior Center and eating lunch (lay off the fats!), then a light supper at home. You'll probably slide into 100. But don't quote me. I'm a former accountant, not health services.
Thanks Joanne, and for the "I'm a former accountant" chuckle--you're obviously a pretty wise person. This heat wave thing, temps in the upper 80s approaching 90s has been going on (in Pittsburgh) since Sunday but tomorrow its supposed to end. I am very ready for those chilly temps :^)
DeleteThings are quite cool in my corner of the world, although less so than a month or two ago.
ReplyDeleteMy dad died at 83 of a heart attack. He never smoked and had a glass of beer about once a week.
I turn 78 next week, and I have never smoked and it’s been more than 40 years since I had a glass of beer. However, I do drink wine every day, and considerably more than a glass I’ll have to admit. Although briefly married once, I have no kids.
Let’s see what happens.
Peter, thanks for sharing--you're an amusing man and I always enjoy your stats. If i don't get to talk to you again soon, hope you have a very Happy Birthday---wow, 78 is something. Good for you for never smoking.
DeleteYou have the same eyebrows. People did age faster back then, work was harder, and of course raising all the kids takes its toll too. Plus the smoking. You look like you have plenty of years left.
ReplyDeleteThank you River, always appreciate your comments. 🙂
DeleteSort of difficult to do a good comparison with the different lighting and photo quality but I do see some resemblance—especially around the midsection! 😆. Just kidding. Clever post. Enjoyed seeing you and your dad.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Thanks Don! 😄 Y'know, Don is my dad's name too. 👍
DeleteMy dad was diagnosed with cancer about the same time your father died. He was gone in November of 01. He was 64. Despite his pack a day habit of Camel unfiltered cigarettes, my mother told anyone who would listen that he did not die of lung cancer because he smoked. He died of cancer because of his work in the steel mill. Always astonished me.
ReplyDeleteDebby I'm so sorry for the early loss of your dad as well... I wonder why your mom thought the way she did. Also, I am very sorry this comment took so long to publish!
DeleteYou never know what's going to happen by your parents. My mom's dad died at 69. Her mother died at 84. And mom will be 94 next month. You look awesome, Doug! Yes, kids can wear you out. And I only had two.
ReplyDeleteThose are some sad, random numbers Kay. I guess for the most part we just never know. Anyway, thank you for the compliment and I hope your vertigo is doing better! 🙂
DeleteKay of Musings: So weird. I thought I wrote a comment earlier this afternoon but it’s not here. Trying again. Just wanted to say you look very good indeed for a young 62.
ReplyDeleteComments on blogs older than 1-2 days have to be moderated and I’m not on my computer that late, sorry Kay! But thanks again!
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