Because he also a hero in the battle against Father Time.
In his 50s, an age when most father’s are welcoming grandchildren, Dad was sandwiched between helping his ailing parents and taking care of his younger wife and two small kids.
Then to top it off, he started to feel the first symptoms of arthritis creep into his hands.
As a WWII combat veteran, he’s seen some awful things. However, I don’t think anything compared to watching his parent’s health deteriorate.
So at 50-something, he quit smoking and shunned fast food. He also donned running shoes. And he stuck to it, completing two marathons in his 70s.
“I’m not doing this for me,” he’s always said. “I’m doing it for you.”
I didn’t get it then, but I do now.
Today he turned 86-years-old.
And we aren’t hauling him to doctors every week or to the pharmacy (he’s not on ANY medication). Nor are we buying him Depends.
Right now he’s at work. When he gets off his plan is to run or hit the golf course. Then he and my mom are going out for dinner.
So as much as I’d love to believe the secret to looking great is in a jar of pricey wrinkle cream, my dad has taught me better. Hopefully, I can follow his example - so he won't have to buy me Depends when I'm 86!
I love this post!!!! I am so happy that your dad is happy and healthy. Yes we look to beauty products to do certain things but we really need to take care of our bodies.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this reminder and heart warming post.
Have a great weekend.
PJD
Awww! Very nice post.
ReplyDeletethat is very impressive! i wanna be like your dad when i grow up, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat the...okay, I loooove your Father! He is amazing! And he still works? Why do I feel the need to retire like...tomorrow? How inspiring!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing man! wow
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. Happy birthday to your dad. He's taught me a valuable lesson today. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Thank you for sharing. It inspires me to get up and sweat. (we might have to negotiate on some of the food though ;) )
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated to your dad. Maybe, just maybe there will come a day when my daughters will speak the same about me.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was crying laughing where you wrote (my blog) that you were sick of being good.
I feel you, trust me I feel you.
Phyllis, so cute about your dad. Mine is the same! At 73 he is still a championship handball player, is very athletic, strong, handsome. But his ATTITUDES are aging a bit, and I am afraid he will become an old curmudgeon!
ReplyDeleteMy dad used Nivea creme all his life and he looks pretty darn great! Does your dad have a "beauty" secret you can share?
I read each of your comments to my dad, and he was thrilled!
ReplyDelete@B - He retired from the army after 30 years as a Lt. Col., but I was 12 and my sister was 9. He went back to work to put us through college. He keeps working, because he's afraid if he stops he'll turn into an old person. He runs a freight elevator in downtown Chicago.
@Karen - he says his secret is vitamin supplements, especially antioxidants and omega 3 fish oils. Your dad sounds great! He's my mom's age, and she has some curmudgeon tendencies.
@Don - I try to be bad, but can never follow through with it.
Blessings to you and your family. What a beautiful and motivational post. This honestly made my day!!
ReplyDeletexo,
CC
Wow! that's great. It's amazing how exercise and healthy eating can increase your longevity. You have a great example to learn from.
ReplyDelete@ pbw: yep, and that's definitely the sign of a good heart.
ReplyDeleteSo, see, I was right, it is in your genes, well, he is a great role model to follow...that is if you can catch him! He sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your dad is a true inspiration. He sounds a lot like my mom.
ReplyDelete