Simon Wood

Hump Day: Crap, I think I’m Turning Into My Dad

Ah crap! I think I’m turning into my dad. I’m doing things he’s done. No, no, no, this can’t be happening. I’m original! I’m a rebel with a cause. I’m mad, bad and dangerous to know. And other stuff that makes me unlike my dad. How can it be going this wrong?

Now don’t get me wrong, I like my dad well enough. There are no rifts or anything between us, but who wants to be a facsimile of their parents? We all want to be an individual making our own unique mark on the world, don’t we? I know I do—or I think I do. Maybe that’s my dad’s DNA talking? Goddamn it. Who am I? Am I me or am I Memorex?

As I think about this, that’s the interesting point here. If I am following in my dad’s footsteps, is it because of the way he raised me—or is it because of his DNA? Do I do the thing I do because I watched him do them—or because we share the same genetic programming? I think I just blew your mind, didn’t I? Far out, man!

All I can say is that I don’t know whether my dad’s parental influence has had its effect or whether it’s in the blood. I do know it’s not a conscious decision. I never think to myself, oh how would dad do this and I should do likewise. I do things that I believe that reflect me but they have an uncanny way of aping my dear moo-pah. Here’s what I’ve got:

My dad is a marathon runner.
I am an endurance cyclist.

My dad has an allotment where he grows fruit and vegetables.
I have a fruit and vegetable plot in my garden.

My dad loves dates.
I used to hate the fruit growing up, but now I love them.

My dad has served on the board of his running club.
I have been a chapter president of both Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.

My dad has a wife who indulges his whims.
I have a wife who indulges my whims.

My dad went grey haired by his mid forties.
I am forty-five next year and my hair will be grey.

My dad was a maintenance foreman at factory.
I became an engineer.

My dad has been served as a school governor, currently serves on police/civilian committee as well as a number of other civic boards.
I worked for city government for seven years and in the last couple of years, I’ve decided that will probably run for city council at some point.

Finally, we both share the same last name!!!

There you have it ladies and gents—my dad and me—or should I say my dad and his carbon copy. Now, I accept I could be paranoid, so I’m going to throw it out to you—do you think I’m turning into my dad?

2 Responses to “Hump Day: Crap, I think I’m Turning Into My Dad”

  1. keenanls

    I would be able to give an opinion if you compared your foibles and negative traits. It appears you like to do some of the same types of activities/hobbies, your interests lie in the same arenas and you are both interested in politics. As far as your wives catering to your whims – we women all let you guys think that – lol. I bet that you and your dad both cram 36 hrs of living in 24 – over-achievers?????

    Reply

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