It seems like the obituaries and the jail report are the most favorite features of The Forest-Blade. Every week, someone is dying that I went to school with or someone I have known on a personal basis.
When someone goes to jail, there is a strong possibility that a family member or a close friend will bail them out. But, with death, there is no option. The Bible is emphatic on this subject because death comes to every living thing.
When I was a young, carefree lad, death was never in my rearview window. I was too busy living my life forward and straight ahead. But, my mother was a different story. She went straight to The Forest-Blade obituaries every Wednesday. There was always a class member or a distant cousin gracing the obituary with a detailed write-up and a picture that was easily 20 years old. So much for an inflated ego, even in death.
Wiser men than I have said we become our parents as we grow older, and no wiser words of wisdom have ever been spoken.
It seems that I am now seeing the world through my parents’ own eyes rather than my own interpretation through rose-colored glasses.
Young people, like me, were still wet behind the ears, thinking they had all the answers to life and urgent problems. Little did we know that two wise old owls, in the form of our parents, had all the answers but our teenage egos were too inflated to trust their wisdom and life experiences.
Where have the years gone? I realize that possibly two or three generations have come and gone as I have gotten older. It seemed I struggled to reach the ripe old age of sixteen to get my driver’s license and graduate from high school, but, now, it seems that newborn babies grow into adulthood overnight, and we older people seem to have a birthday twice a year.
Maybe the wise old humorist was right when he asked, “Why did God waist his precious time on young people when we older folks would appreciate it so much more?”
My sister asked me recently if I could go back 30 years in my life, would I? My answer was a resounding No! I don’t want to go back to face the trials and tribulations or take the baby steps needed to reach the age that I am now, which is an appreciative senior citizen.
I don’t agree with the fellow who said he would like to start his life over with what he knows now. Little does he realize that life changes from generation to generation and requires a different mindset from past experiences.
At a recent class reunion, we were asked to stand individually and tell something about ourselves since high school graduation. When it came to my turn, I stood and said loud and clear, “I am twice the person I used to be.” My classmates erupted in sincere belly laughs because I had literally gone from 130 pounds on graduation day to a hefty 260 pounds at my 50th high school reunion. It didn’t matter that I had accomplished anything else in my life after that remark.
I was twice the person that I used to be in more ways than one. I have become closer to God and nature. I don’t sweat the small stuff because this too will pass. True wisdom comes from the heart and not a textbook. Everyone is special and God plays no favorites.
We don’t need improvements. We are complete and wonderful just as we are. Honey draws more bees than vinegar. This also applies to humans as well. It takes fewer muscles to smile than frown and remember that being kind or giving a sincere compliment won’t hurt your puffed pride or ego. To have a friend, be one. Life is short, just a little compassion and kindness goes a long way, and, by all means, life is a special gift – always handle it with care.
