Are there many, some, a few of us over 50??

[emily_in_nc]

I miss my dad something awful and still find my eyes welling up with tears every few days when I think of him, but I would rather have lost him in a car accident as I did than to Alzheimer's.

My grandfather had AD and died at 96. The last 3 years of his life, when my grandmother was very sick and then died, were just awful for both him and my mother (an only child). At least my memories of my father are much more positive. I would give just about anything for a recording of his voice, like some of you have of your dad's....guess I'll just have to play back the recordings in my mind. I can still hear his voice so clearly.

Emily

[bcipam]

I take comfort in knowing that my Dad has lived a good life. He has travelled the world, as a youth did what he enjoyed (he had his own travelling orchestra and band), made a good living for his wife and kids and lives contently now in a beautiful little community where he is well loved. Most of which he is going through now he is unaware, although at times knows he is confused, the sad moments pass very quickly. I know it's harder on us than him. Eventually we all die. I'm not certain one way is better than another all I know it's important that we leave our marks on this world and that others can speak as fondly of us as Emily now does of her Dad.

Em... you don't need recordings or photos, just your memories. Thanks for sharing.

After going through my brother-in-laws funeral, I know I still have along way to go to be thought as highly by everyone as he was thought of by everyone who ever met him. It's memories that are important, not pieces of paper or tape recordings. I'm hoping somehow, someday, I too am a happy thought in someone's memories.

[missymaya]

bcipam, I think you are held on good memory. Even though most of us here have never met you in person, you have provided us with a certain thoughts, ideas, stories, or tidbits and yes, those can count as some sort of memory. And then, there are those who have met you in person in which you have made a positive impact on. The key is, is to keep giving and being positive and just being yourself towards the world and when our time is done on this earth, we will be held in good memory, whether it is just on our family or to the entire world. Keep giving love and love will be given to you as well

[kjay]

64 here . . . got into bicycling about 13 or so years ago when I couldn't walk very well because of a bad hip. Cycling was the only exercise I could do without much pain. My hip replacement in 2001 fixed me up, and I'm riding more than ever. I try to ride at least a couple of week-long tours every year, plus numerous one-day supported rides in the area, and I LOVE to spin.