Dad's 80th

With all my health trials, I think Dad's 80th may have felt more fatalistic than I might have otherwise liked. I remember my grandparents turning 80. I think there was indeed a realization of advancing age, but not so much awareness of inescapable mortality. We had lots of southern style food - just like home- Dad's home - North Carolina. The siblings have long abandoned the country ways of feasting, but collectively, we re-created a southern style family gathering with all the foods of bygone days - salad, beef, french fries, cucumber & onions, squash, pinto beans, corn bread, banana pudding and pecan pie - and we topped it off with a store-bought cake. I asked Dad what his favorite part of the feast was - meaning the food - and he responded that he was happy to have his family together. Suddenly I realized that of course, that would be what he would want the most. He did say several times that he did not expect to make it to 80. I suspect the reason he always tells the doctors that he is OK when he is not, is that he figures his time is up or close to it, so why bother. I have not inherited THAT gene. I tell the doctors everything and complain. This week I have 3 medical appointments. I wonder if I will make to 80. I expect it will be no problem, but I just might be wrong about that! I expect I won't be as resigned as Dad seems to be. But who knows what surprises await me in the coming years? Only the man upstairs...