Milestones

My dad turned 90 years old this past week. It seems a little surreal, especially since he has been battling COPD for seven years. Dad was diagnosed the same time that Leonard Nimoy was and Leonard passed away in 2015 a year after his diagnosis. 

Continuing on a Star Trek theme, I found out that William Shatner turned 90 the week before my dad. William Shatner is in a lot better shape than my dad but William Shatner does not suffer from COPD. It does seem weird that Keith Richards seems to just get stronger as the years go by even though he smokes like a chimney. I have always believed my dad would pretty much have lived forever if he hadn’t smoked. I think they were talking about my dad when they came up with the quote: “If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” I don’t know if Keith Richards will outlast my dad but it does seem likely at this point. Heck between Keith Richards and Chuck Norris, the smart money is on Keith Richards.

I haven’t seen my dad in person since last summer. COVID restrictions and the health of my daughter have made it almost impossible to make visitation a reality. We talk on the phone but that is not the same. I would be lying if I said the anti-maskers did not annoy me. If people were to respect the health guidelines set by the medical experts, the pandemic would be behind us and visitor restrictions would be lifted for my dad.

I am thinking this is the last Easter my dad will be alive for. Then again, I have been saying that for five years now so who knows. I just hope I am able to see him in person at least one more time before he moves on.

“Every new beginning comes from another beginning’s end.” - Seneca (54 BC - 39 BC)