Your Life Is Now

-

The Class of ‘82 has lost a couple of members this year. 

It’s always shocking news when an old friend or classmate passes away, mostly because we fool ourselves into thinking that we’re a lot younger than what we are.

Time is undefeated and life has an expiration date. It’s cliche to say that every day should be cherished, but it’s a cliche because it’s true.

The classmate we lost, Carolyn, was a beautiful girl back in high school. She smiled a lot! 

Every time I saw her.

She lived life to the fullest too and her scorecard shows children, a long marriage and a whole lot of friends who will attend her send off.

Yet, despite all the years - and I’d seen Carolyn last year - I still carry the image of her at seventeen years old. That’s how memories work, I suppose.

When Mickey Mantle died, my Dad mentioned that the Mick was frozen in time as a big, strong man who hit long homers and ran like a deer.

I guess it’s better to remembered in the prime of life, but it also got me thinking of how quickly it passes.

Springsteen turned 74 on Saturday.

I remember when we toasted his 35th birthday!

And on Sunday’s when I hit the golf ball well, I think about the day when those shots will have 100 less yards on them because time waits for no one.

The Class of ‘82 was a long time ago - at least some people would say - but to those of us who were in it - it sometimes feels as if it were ten minutes ago.

I have a good memory for moments and when I considered Carolyn, I thought about a study hall that we shared as seniors. We spent an entire class talking about the new Rod Stewart record - ‘Foolish Behavior’.

I was able to visit those moments in my mind…

…I could almost hear her laughter.

May she rest in peace.

And May your days be cherished because your life is right now.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I be...
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C...
Read more

Eyes on the Horizon

-
Image
My sister’s book is out there! Go get it!! It makes me so proud to see the book on Amazon, knowing that it’s very, very great! It’s been a long, long time since we were out in California, brainstorming my stories long before they were published. Carrie Lynn was writing, writing and writing some more through the years and I kept telling her… …”Go for it!” Well, she did!  To amazing results. Of course I was able to read the book as it was being put together, but I ordered a copy from Amazon yesterday and can’t wait to read it again. The shoe is on the other foot now as I have been sitting on a lot of my writing lately. I plan on getting it out there before the end of 2024, but for now: Carrie takes center stage! And it’s so great… …go get a copy!
Read more