Most generally, it is the role of a father to point his son in the right direction, but my son reversed our roles and it was he who pointed me in the right direction where exercising is concerned. My only offspring, my son, Mac Hammond, was a pilot in the U. S. Air Force for five years during the Viet Nam War and flew many, many missions over southeast Asia. While overseas, he was physical fitness officer for his pilot group. In 1967, he sent me a small aerobics booklet along with a plea that I follow a regular and demanding exercise program. For years I had exercised spasmodically but both he and I knew that wasn't enough.

That's when, at age 53, I began jogging and working out at a gym three days a week without many interruptions. Had I continued down the course I was on prior to Mac's setting me on a new and better one, I am certain that I would not have been healthy and physically fit enough in the year 2000 to give a passing thought to participating in the Georgia Golden Olympics at the age of 86. What a life-changing decision I made when I accepted the challenge my far-sighted son, Mac, placed before me!

At his present age of 63, Mac still exercises strenuously six days every week, come rain or come shine. He's in perfect health and - father like son - so is his 93-year-old dad. Needless to say, he is extremely supportive of my regular and strenuous exercise routine as well as my participation in the Senior Olympic Games. He tells me he'll fly me to Senior Olympic games anywhere in the USA - as long as I win. I hope he's kidding about that last part but I don't plan to test him.

I'll conclude by saying that there is no greater blessing in one's old age than to have a son like Mac who loves, respects, honors, admires and enjoys his old dad and never hesitates to show it.

End of Blog No. 5.

Editor's Note: Jim Hammond has written a wonderful book about his life and experiences called "What a Beautiful Sunset." To read more about his book or to buy it, click here.

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posted at 05:05:28 PM