Fantastic Five

[Insert pic here of the fantastic 5] 

At 50 years old, when my dad is 75 and my kids are roughly 25ish, it seems like an interesting teeter-totter moment.  There are thousands of people who have made a difference in my life. Most are still here, but for those that are not, here are the people that are resonating most strongly with me at this point in my life.  

• Mom - "How Can you be so Stupid".  The assertive non-apologetic voice of my Mom.  I would love to hear echoes of her right now as I navigate dealing with my dad and my daughter, two generations I do not understand.
• Winston - As you knew at 20, the bad was good and the good was grand.  At 50, I am still learning lessons from you, my friend.  How am I still here at 51 when you are not?
• Dale - Your large frame, bright red hair, and strange southern drawl intrigued me for as long as I can remember.  It did not hurt that you sent us great presents as kids.  Wrapped in comics and sealed with a bright silver dollar.  Your approval was so important to me as I explained to you each year what my "plans" were.  Never realizing that plans most often go out the window.
• Nanny - My Flower.  My wink and a nod.  I was your favourite in at time when you were still allowed to have favourites.  You were a voice of reason and a pillar of strength.  I loved so much visiting you in your own home and remembering the great times there.
• Andrew - "Actually..."  I was going to finish the sentence, but I realized all I needed was to hear Andrew's voice saying "Actually".  He said it so much - The product of two academics striving and proving daily.