Originally Posted by
Davis Knowlton
My twins were born when I was 50. They are now 13, I am 63 (for those who have trouble with math). I retired a year after they were born. For the 30 years prior to that, I was rarely home, often working 7 days a week and 14 (or more) hour days. I travelled internationally frequently, sometimes leaving at a day's notice for trips that could last several weeks, or months. My first marriage was a disaster, and it was a conscious decision not to have kids when I simply had no time for them. Now, I see my kids every day, I am involved in their school, sports, and lives. I am a very fit and young 63, so I don't embarass them any more than most parents embarass teenagers. My grandparents died at 104 and 98; my mother is 90 and going strong - my dad died at 88. The twins will graduate from college and be off on their lives at around 22 - I'll be 72 and fully expect to be around. Anything after that, who knows? But one thing I do know is as a father whose kids were born when he was 50, I'm a far better father now than I would/could have been when I was younger. And, as a final note, their mother is 20 years younger than I, so she should be around for grandchildren, even if I'm not.