I called my folks on the way home from work tonight. My Bluetooth earpiece was already implanted and their phone was already ringing as I walked through the newsroom.
My dad answered. That’s pretty unusual. By 11:35 PM he’s is normally asleep.
His hearing is bad. His eyesight, in the single eye that still works, is pretty bad too. It takes more than a phone call to wake him.
As it turns out, he and my mom had just finished watching “Blood Diamond.¹” I smiled because it was a Netflix selection, our gift for Father’s Day.
My folks have just returned to their Boynton Beach condo after a short trip to Disneyworld/Epcot Center.
This time of year, Central Florida is a steam bath. That made the trip more difficult and quite strenuous. They still had a great time.
I spent 10 minutes on the phone with my dad and then another 5 or 10 with my mom. We were laughing and joking and having a really good time.
My mom told me about the attractions they had seen and the roller coasters they rode. As it turns out, the roller coaster rides weren’t a conscious decision. They just didn’t know what they were getting into when they stood in line!
My parents don’t act their age. That’s what stuck out from this phone call. They are younger and more full of life than you’d expect if you knew their ages and nothing else.
A few years ago, I asked my dad if being 80 was what he imagined it would be. He said he’d never thought about it… until he was 79. I don’t think he minds.
Much like a small child, when you hit your 80s you’re allowed to claim the age you’re “almost,” as opposed to the age you still are.
You don’t turn old one day. It creeps up on you. It’s gradual and natural and is handled best by not fighting it. Easier said than done.
There’s no disputing the Foxes of Boynton Beach are having the best time of their lives. Imagine that. They’re still peaking!
If there’s anything I want to inherit from my parents, it’s their ability to appreciate life. Even at 56 years old I haven’t matured enough to relax and enjoy myself the way they do. Maybe I never will.
Having my mom’s wrinkle free skin wouldn’t be too bad either.
Blogger’s note: A year and a half ago I sat my parents down, one at-a-time, to tell the story of how they met. The video that followed is among my proudest achievements. If you haven’t seen it, take a few moments to watch it now.
¹ – My parent’s thumbnail review. Very good. Too violent. Leonardo DiCaprio was very good. “You should see it Geoffrey.”
Hi Geoff-
I finally got around to watching your parents video. I can see why it made you so proud.
Stone Phillips last episode was on last night. The last clip he showed was when he interviewed his dad. I had tears rolling down my face by the end of the interview.
My husband’s father died suddenly 4 years ago. I cannot recall how many times I have heard Mike say “I would give anything just to hear my dad’s voice again or see his face laughing. He had such a great face and such a great laugh”. Unfortunately, there is not much video of my late father in law and I think we all have lost out for not having that piece of him with us.
So, thank you for doing this…for yourself, for your daughter, for your parents and especially for us. It’s beautiful to hear history, especially history from the greatest generation.