As someone who didn't feel mature enough to have children at a younger age - I was thirty-nine when my beloved daughter was born - it's hard now to remember that earlier reticence. Today, I'm proud I overcame my younger selfishness. Because if I hadn't, I'd have missed out on knowing the remarkable individual my only child has become. My gratitude for what we share - especially our musical bond - is beyond measure.
As we were skiing together over the last few days while celebrating her birthday, my reflections shifted. I began to realize how glad I am at having maintained a commitment to remaining physically fit. When my daughter told me on our first day we'd logged in twenty-two miles, I was pleased, if not over-the-top pumped. Then, after her watch indicated we'd topped thirty-three miles the next day - despite a high of -1 degrees - I admit my head swelled a bit. Not half-bad for an old fart, I thought.
If you started your first family later in life - as I did - what benefits did doing so confer on you? If you decided to start earlier, what were some of the main reasons for your decision? If starting a family of your own has never held any appeal for you, which pieces of your life give you the most joy?
It's such a pleasure for me that you and Ali share so much!
ReplyDeleteLove you dad, this is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteThanks to my two favorite people for reading & commenting.
DeleteIt is indeed a sweet post. And congratulations on the skiing accomplishments. I used to be an avid skier but have not felt comfortable since my hip replacements. I was very young when I had my daughter and it wasn't always easy but now I can revel in the fact that I am a young grandmother and will some day be a young great grandmother. I have been able to do things with my grandchildren that wouldn't be possible if I had been older. So, it all works out.
ReplyDeleteInes; Thanks for the comment. I'm hoping the fact that I started so late will not preclude me from enjoying my grandchildren - if I have any - the way you've been able to enjoy yours. As for great-grandchildren - I'm afraid that's not in the cards for me. Oh well; there are worse things.
DeleteHello, Pat. I hope this finds you and your family doing well. My first reaction to this post was '22 Miles'!!! and then '33' Miles !!! ... WOW doesn't' seem to be enough of a reaction. Good for you all. Having both of my children by the time I was 33 is, obviously, somewhat different from your experience. But still somewhat later in life than others that I know. But, and as I have mentioned in some of my prior comments, it has given me the opportunity to be a bit more active with my 3 grandsons. And I freely admit to using the term 'active' very loosely as the energy levels of an 8 year old and 5 year old twins is more than one realizes. Racing my older grandson around the block - me in sneakers and he on the rollerblades we had just bought for him - was something to see.
ReplyDeleteNo need to hold back the smile and/or laughter. It was funny to watch as my son and wife both were taking video the entire time. Add to that the 'wrestling with Pop Pop' that the twins enjoy ... Well, I'm sure you're getting the point. Fully exhausted by the time we're all done, but definitely worth every second. And from I have learned about you in the short time we've known each other, when the time comes for you and Kim to be grandparents .... There's going to be some wonderful and happy times ahead
Be well,
Bob.
"Anonymous" Bob; Thanks for the comment. Based on the joy it gives nearly every grandparent I know, I sincerely hope to join that fraternity someday. Maybe I'll even still be skiing and be able to teach my grandchildren as I did my daughter? I'd love that, even if skiing for 22/33 miles is not in the cards.
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