My Dad, Monroe, was born in 1930. Today, at age 94, he is sharing his first blog. Well, technically, he didn’t call it a blog—he just sent our family an email. But as I read it, I knew it was meant to be shared. When I suggested turning it into a blog, Dad agreed to share his story with the universe.
So, without further ado, here is “Spectacles to Screens,” – a guest blog from my dad.
Dad’s Guest Blog
Lately, as we humans do, I have been reflecting on life – looking back and forward. Honestly, looking ahead isn’t as appealing these days, so reminiscing about the past feels more natural.
How do we get from A to B?
My eyesight is not improving, and the new glasses I bought a few months ago aren’t as clear as they were. New eye problems continue to pop up, which made me think about a story.
You Need Glasses
I was in junior college, which my father thought was perfect—” free and only two years.” He needed me in the business.
One day, while taking a typing course, the instructor noticed I was making a lot of errors. He said, “Your mistakes are not from typing.” He said, “They are reading errors.”
I went to the eye doctor, who confirmed the teacher’s diagnosis, and just like that, I bought my first pair of glasses. By the way, I received an A in typing.
Fast forward a few years, and I find myself stationed in Korea. I was assigned to the motor pool when the captain asked if anybody knew how to type. Now, in the army, rule number one is never to volunteer for anything! But against my better judgment, I raised my hand and said I could type (Dad didn’t mention his A).
This decision led me to the role of head mailman for the Battalion, and I reached the rank of Sergeant First Class. After 18 months, I was sent home, and typing remained a constant throughout my career.
From Typewriter to Keyboard
I never thought, back in the day, that at age 94, I would be typing every day on my computer and phone. The fact that I needed glasses changed the course of my life.
I hope my new eye problems will bring new opportunities – we can wish, right?
Dad, Your Next Career Should Be as a Comedian!
Dad always has a knack for humor. He could have been a comedian with his witty one-liners. Here are a few of his classic, funny quotes that never fail to bring a smile to our faces:
😆 On Pregnancy
Our cousin who was due to give birth in three weeks talked about how hard it was to walk and that she is up all night with heartburn – Dad quickly responded that he must be pregnant , too!
😂 On Technology Overload
“I thought technology was supposed to make things simple. Last night when I went to sleep, I was charging my land phone, my hearing aids, my mobile phone, my help I fell down button, my Apple watch, and my Kindle.”
🤣 On Vacation & Illness:
Below is my dad’s funny response to what my doctor said why I may have contracted pneumonia.
DOC REPLY : I believe when you have a lot of stress in your life and then sort of let go of the stress like going on vacation. Your immune system drops and something comes and gets you.
DAD’s REPLY
“That’s the first time I’ve heard that vacation can cause pneumonia!
I’m on vacation all year—maybe that means if I go to work, I’ll get sick instead? Good thing I don’t have enough energy to punch in.”
Dad, maybe your next calling really is comedy!
But for now, let’s celebrate your first blog—from spectacles to screens, and from typewriters to touchscreens!
Anonymous 
Lisa Sirota-Weiner 
Susan zurak
Your Turn! Would love to hear your comments