role models

[tompkins]

My dad passed away a year ago, the day before yesterday. He had a long life (89 years) and I was by his side when he slipped away.

He collected military items all his life. I never really cared FOR the items but always admired his PASSION for them. I have rarely met anyone who could find such interest in something I considered so mundane. He used to get mail from the pentagon, NATO officers, and military people from around the world who knew him to be an expert, particularly in the U.S. Cavalry.

I think the lesson to be learned is to find that thing (like Curley found in City Slickers) and be heavily involved in it the rest of your life. There is new brain based learning research that points to our amygdala (one of the basal ganglia) is at the heart of this emotional attachment to learning. I hope mine is as healthy as his was.