In answer to the question “Am I the man I thought I would be?”
Yes.
Based on my father and grandfather’s appearance at age 75, I thought I would be standing and walking tall, loving the comforts of home and marriage, reading as often and as widely as I want, generally happy with life. To their pastimes, I have added music, playing clarinet in a community concert band, and singing with my church choir.
No.
I assumed that I would overcome my introversion. At some point, I realized (a) that I couldn’t because that tendency is so much part of me, and (b) I didn’t want to because whoever said that it’s better to be extroverted does not know the joy of being my own best friend. I can be friendly, interested in others, and even enjoy a social gathering, but the best part is coming home to restore myself.
More.
Both my father and grandfather retired from life as well as work. They seemed to go home from the retirement party and sit down and wait for the end. I have not. I am as active and involved as I want to be, and I think that my mind and my spirit are as sharp as ever.
Less.
I thought I would be surrounded by family and friends. The reality is that I have a small family, and many of them lives thousands of miles away. The friends I have are fiercely loyal to me and to what I believe, and would trust them with my life. I could have a much bigger stable, but my choices and temperament have won out. Maybe less is more. I hope so.
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How would you answer that question?
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In answer to the question “Am I the man I thought I would be?” Yes. I’ve accomplished virtually all my goals including those added throughout my life time and not just those that I thought when I was a young man. Many of my goals were those that were influenced by my father especially when it came to integrity, morals and familial devotion. Having lived long enough to experience being a grandfather. And like my dad, I have an amazing number of friends. No. At age 62, the age my dad passed away, I thought I would be in better… Read more »