My Dad

I have just come back from Dunedin from visiting my dad in hospital. I was inspired to share some thoughts and reflections on my dad from the recent past when reading about Kay's dad on her recent post. Since in my early 20's my dad and I have shared a special relationship around sporting endeavours. I had a game of pool with dad in Dunedin in the nursing home, Little Sisters two weeks ago. Sadly it was nothing like old times as dad was very confused about what balls to hit and that you have to hit the white ball first...old age can be cruel. My dad is now 84 but only 4 years ago he was a lot sharper. Here is a tongue and cheek account of one of those times!


                                                            Thrashed

Oh the embarrassment! Cleaned up by my 80 year young father!

I suppose I shouldn't take it so hard as he has regularly beaten me in my earlier contests with him. In fact he has been consistently competitive over the years and we have brought out the best and worst in each other at times. Neither of us likes to lose.

I should be philosophical about the result as I did gain a convincing victory last time and I did have some bad luck this time. But some how this does not seem to bring me any solace!

I'm beginning to sound more like John all the time. Must have read too many of his blogs. If only I could express my feelings as well as he! If I could you would truly understand how devastating this defeat was!

I suppose you are saying to yourself ''Get over it man. It's only a game!''. If only I could take some consolation in that thought!

I mean the humiliation. How can I possibly hold my head high when I've been comprehensively thrashed 4-0. I suppose there will be other days and hopefully better days where I can restore some self respect.

Back to the drawing board. Out with the pool cue and a strict practising regime before I head back down to Dunedin again to find some redemption. That is if my dad is gracious enough and willing to allow me the chance to challenge him again. He may now think I am not sufficiently skilled for him to bother playing with.

Can only hope I can pick up the pieces and get myself sorted out before next time.

I do apologise for my ramblings and the negative depressing nature of this blog. Do forgive me. It has been a long upsetting and trying day in coming to terms with my recent defeat. 

Thrashed in pool 4 - 0 by my ageing father. The shame!

At Christmas in Nelson in 2011 [with Bernard, Catherine, Margaret, Vincent and myself]

With my sisters Margaret and Catherine