Please note that the trauma of the economy is so severe that I am avoiding its existence much less ranting and raving about it.
Four SCD's. I am SCD IV. The gorgeous kid. My Dad is SCD Jr. seated on the left. My Grandfather is SCD Sr seated on the right. My cousin SCD III is standing behind. There is also an SCD V.
Anexplorer (http://anexplorer.blogstream.com/) is journeying through his family's roots in Scotland. Must read. In one of his chapters, he compares himself to his father. Oh dear, another one of those thought provoking things. Everyone ought to do this and put it into writing.
I found more similarities than differences. Nature or nuture? And what gets passed down to the next generation? And the differences and similarities are not really spectacular or a good story. Interesting nonetheless.
Differences? There is a big difference between the 1930's and 40's and now. That is a big reason.
Dad was athletic in school (all around sports) and as an adult (golf). I was not. Lack of depth perception is somewhat of an excuse (started wearing glasses at six) but should have pushed more. He told Mom that she could have us (I have one younger brother) until we got to eleven and then he would take us out to the golf course. But by then it was too late. My brother and I never did want to play golf. Read what you want into that.
The optometry office Dad started at first did OK. He went to pharmacy when optometry was not bringing in enough. Dad was a good pharmacist. My brother is a good pharmacist, as were/are my grandfather, great aunt, and son. I enjoyed science but if you put me into a pharmacy, there would be bodies all over the landscape. My first career in the Navy showed that it was not for me nor was I for them. But teaching in private schools worked out fine. And teaching chemistry is somewhat of a redemption.
Dad remembered every joke he ever heard. Really dry sense of humor. Kept us in stitches. Wish I could do that. My brother got this. I did not.
Did not divulge his feelings or his relationships with his brothers or parents. I obviously am.
Kept the financial business of the family to himself. A starving school teacher must involve the kids in the solution.
But lots of similarities.
Both of my parents were competitive in bridge and other games. Me, too.
They were both very honest and straightforward. Strive for this.
Good parents. Even with Dad spending so much time on the golf course. Understanding yet demanding. My wife and I really worked at this and have great kids to show we some things right.
Dad was friendly and outgoing. As am I.
Churchgoer but not religious. Liked discussing politics but not a zealot. Liked a good joke and story especially if a little bawdy. Enjoyed male type books and pastimes. Moi aussi.
Dad enjoyed music. I can hear him singing “Mood Indigo” and “Smoke Gets In You Eyes”. Mom's family were the real musicians. I like the same kind of stuff they did.
Not artists but liked it. Mom fussed with it a little and Dad did one landscape. I like the same kind they did. And enjoy art and music as they did.
I am certain that this list will become better and clearer as the little man in the back of my brain finds and refines the memories.
As I said at the top, everyone ought to do this and put it into writing.
The really difficult question. How about differences from and similarities to Mom?
