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Everlasting Stuff I learned from my Father, who, at 86 years of age, is a practicing dentist and grandpa in Chicago, IL.

1. Whichever teeth you do not wish to retain in your latter years, do not floss them.

2. If and when your kids have tossed your hat out of the window on the interstate, do not become angry.

3. No matter how old and grown up your children are, kiss them.

4. What you wish for your grandchildren do so for their parents.

5. Encourage your high schoolers to read lots of books over summer break.

6. The police officer is your friend unless he's thrashing you with his schtekl.

7. Do not walk down Michigan Ave. dressed like a "zhlub".

8. Call your kids even if and especially if they don't call you.

9. Talk to your mother regularly.

10. It's okay for a man to be sentimental, even weepy when appropriate.

11. Inquire after the well-being of an "ex" for (s)he is a parent of your grandchildren.

12. Look illness in the eye and tell it to "piss off"!

13. Smile a lot and not just because your father is a dentist.


Alan D. Busch