A little background before I tell this story.

When I was younger, I didn't get to spend that much time with my dad's dad. It's too long a story to get into here. I remember him as a tall, white haired, very gruff man, who absolutely scared the snot out of me when I was a kid.

I found out after he died that I was one of his favorites, and that he was very proud that I was working as a musician. Really surprised me to hear that.

Anyway, the other day I happened to catch a glimpse of my reflection in a large window.

I saw him, for just a split second before I realized it was me. Totally weirded me out.

It's happened a couple more times, when I'm not paying attention. I guess I really do look like him, at least to a certain extent. I've just recently discovered that quite a few of one of my kid's friends were scared spitless of me, until they got to know me. Weird, eh?

This weirdness has made me think about him a lot more recently. I truly regret that I didn't get to know him better.

There's a lesson here for you younger folks. Even if family conflicts try to get in the way, you really should try to get to know the people in your family that you don't get to see often. I can't help but think that I really missed out on something. It's way too late now for me, but may not be for you.

Cheers,

GK

I guess the moral of the story is that you're an old man.

I guess the moral of the story is that you're an old man.

I know I could rely on you to put in the proper context. ;D ;D ;D

I would second the moral of your story (not about being old...but getting to know your elders a bit).

I got to know both my grandfathers a bit and really got a lot of knowledge and history out of them. My one grandfather fought in Patton's corp and fought to liberate Bastogne. Has Me 262 strafing his tank column. I have heard countless other stories about the US during those times. As well as gotten some nice fishing advice, actually useful marriage advice (between the 2 of them they had 100 yrs of combined experience there).

I found out from them, it was as nice for them as it was for me. So definitely get to know those crotchety old men (or women) in your family.

I know how you feel. :'(