My dad was a very kind man, but he was also rebellious and irresponsible. Couldn't or wouldn't keep a job, blew through money, and never, never listened to doctors. Taking responsibility for anything, but especially for his health was way out of character for him. He used to say that he didn't want to live longer if it meant following all those damn health rules. He wanted to go out with a Pepsi (later Coke) in one hand and a Snickers bar in the other.
The problem is that his chosen lifestyle did not result in his early death, being not quite James Dean enough. Instead, he spent twenty years in his recliner, unable to have a life, while his health grew worse and his body grew bigger. He opted for a wheelchair over physical therapy and soon required the care provided by a nursing facility, despite being twenty years younger than most residents.
His rebellious insistence that he not follow the rules took away his autonomy and independence. He was miserable for twenty years. I want to put a stop to this pattern before my teeth fall out and my knees collapse and I can't buy clothes at common retailers. I do not want to go out with Coke in my hand. I want to live a long, active life and die surrounded by great-grandbabies.
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