(see video clip link!)
Neil Young’s 1972 song “Old Man” classic helped me take a renewed look at my relationship with my late dad, Frank Augustine, who lived to be 100. This classic, reflective, nostalgic, and introspective song explores the similarities and differences in perspective between a young man at the beginning of his life journey, and and old man who is closer to the end of his. It shows that the two men, despite having vastly different circumstances in life, ultimately have much in common. The lines “Old Man" look at my life, I’m a lot like you were” highlights this connection. Many like myself discovered that this song helped them navigate their relationships with their own dads.
As I grew older I noticed similarities between my dad and I, and began to recognize that no matter how different I believed we were, there will always be a sacred thread and bond that connects us. Like Young, I experienced early success, lived in a “paradise” but was still searching for something more, something that "can't be lost like a treasured coin that won’t get tossed away.” That ultimately came as I focused more and more on total acceptance and unconditional love of my dad. In later years, I worked hard to get him recognized by city, county and state officials, and the Office of Veteran Affairs and Senior Citizen community in New Jersey for his many contributions to his community and his country.
Happy Fathers Day to all Fathers and Father Figures!
Postscript: Neil Young—Old Man (Live) [Harvest 50th Anniversary Edition] (Official Music Video link)
