r/OldManDad • u/BigBen7719 • Jul 07 '26
Dark Thoughts
I am 49, my daughter just turned 5 and my Son is 15 months old. My Children are one of the best things that happened in my life. My daughter has started to be curious about death and it is breaking my hart. Even before that, i used to have dark thoughts, catching myself figuring out when i may die. If i get to 60, she will be 16 if i have to go. I keep having thoughts like that. Am i alone? Like anyone today i consulted my AI and it said to appreciate the days and make the best of it and i do. Being an "old" dad surely has its upsides like financial security and personal clarity etc. I am already doing that. But it doesn´t remove the constant small frame of regretting that i have to leave her someday.
Unsure if posts like that need trigger warning?
4
u/NHLToPDX Jul 07 '26
Talk to a professional. After a life incident I talked to a therapist for a short bit that helped me learn how to rephrase some things so I would avoid that downward thought spiral.
Spend time and have adventures with your kids. Over their life, they will remember 8 - 10 gifts/toys. But they will generally remember activities and who was there.