It was sad to hear Mrs. McCall passed away earlier this week. It was equally sad to hear Coach Watson is battling cancer. I wish him a speedy and full recovery.
This got me thinking about age. I don’t know about the rest of you, but the staff at the high school seemed so “old” to me. Part of it was because I was so young, and part of it was because I didn’t really give it any honest thought. If I had, I would have realized that several of them weren’t that much older than we were.
But age is a funny thing. Back then, we had almost our whole life in front of us and we were invincible. Well, in our minds we were. Heck, most of us had never even considered the possibility of dying. We were going to be the first person to live forever. Or so it seemed.
And it’s equally funny how we view people now as opposed to back then. Most of us “tolerated” the teachers and staff. We had the two or three that we really liked, or even admired, but for the most part, we didn’t think much of them -- or maybe I should say we didn’t think about them much. There was no vindictiveness in our viewpoint, just a bit of apathy.
Now, as “older” folks ourselves, we can appreciate what they must have thought of us and we can certainly sympathize with their position. I know I can. I respected them as a youngster is supposed to respect an adult - or else my dear, departed Mama would have my hide - but now I respect them for what they did for me and what they had to put up with, at least from me.
They were as much a part of my high school life as my classmates were.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Boomerang Kids
I recently read an article about “boomerang kids”, those that move back home to Mom and Dad for various reasons. I know it’s a tough world out there and getting started, or staying started in some cases, can be tough, so I don’t have a problem with them coming back ‘home’; at least not to a point.
However, I think I would have an issue with them staying. It’s my job to get them started and that’s no different than Mama Bird teaching her little ones how to fly, but I see a downside to it as well. I think it builds character and self-reliance for them to fend for themselves, besides; Mom and Dad aren’t going to live forever.
But my point to this whole thing is that even though everyone is treating this like a ‘new’ thing, I can remember lots of people who lived in multi-generational homes when I was a kid. And I’m talking about multi-generational adults.
Actually, I think the concept of one family homes is the new thing, or at least in the past 40 or 50 years.
However, I think I would have an issue with them staying. It’s my job to get them started and that’s no different than Mama Bird teaching her little ones how to fly, but I see a downside to it as well. I think it builds character and self-reliance for them to fend for themselves, besides; Mom and Dad aren’t going to live forever.
But my point to this whole thing is that even though everyone is treating this like a ‘new’ thing, I can remember lots of people who lived in multi-generational homes when I was a kid. And I’m talking about multi-generational adults.
Actually, I think the concept of one family homes is the new thing, or at least in the past 40 or 50 years.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Obituaries
Maybe it’s an age thing, but more and more I find myself scanning the obituaries. I don’t know what I really expect to find; not my own, that’s for sure.
Is it just me or is there a touch of apprehension when you start scanning them, thinking that you might see a name you recognize. Then if you do see someone you know you feel really bad, and if you don’t see anyone you know there’s a mixture of relief and self-admonition for looking in the first place.
More and more, pictures are showing up in obituaries. I will admit that I like that, especially the one of the 90-odd year old lady whose picture is from the 40s or 50s, or the soldier or sailor in his uniform from WWII or Vietnam. They obviously don’t look anything like that now, but who really wants to show a picture of themselves just short of the grave? Why not let them show a picture when they felt more vital, or proud of what they’ve done?
The other thing that gets me is the cost. Sheesh! This is from the Knoxnews site. “Monday through Saturday - .53 per word Sunday Edition - .80 per word. One time charge of $21.00 to place an obituary. Picture prices range from $16.00 to $52.00 depending on size. Discount pricing for multiple days of publication.”
Lessee… so far the PC says I’ve written 235 words (and going up), so by that rate it’s $124.55 for Monday thru Saturday and $189.00 to run on a Sunday. Add the one-time charge and the price for a picture and the range is $161.55 to $197.55 on the low end and $225.00 to $261.00 for the high price spread.
No wonder we take out insurance. I think I’m going to limit mine to – “He lived and he died. If you know him you know what he looks like and if you don’t, it doesn’t matter.” (Neat – 22 words. $32.66 and $38.60. Now, that I can afford.)
Is it just me or is there a touch of apprehension when you start scanning them, thinking that you might see a name you recognize. Then if you do see someone you know you feel really bad, and if you don’t see anyone you know there’s a mixture of relief and self-admonition for looking in the first place.
More and more, pictures are showing up in obituaries. I will admit that I like that, especially the one of the 90-odd year old lady whose picture is from the 40s or 50s, or the soldier or sailor in his uniform from WWII or Vietnam. They obviously don’t look anything like that now, but who really wants to show a picture of themselves just short of the grave? Why not let them show a picture when they felt more vital, or proud of what they’ve done?
The other thing that gets me is the cost. Sheesh! This is from the Knoxnews site. “Monday through Saturday - .53 per word Sunday Edition - .80 per word. One time charge of $21.00 to place an obituary. Picture prices range from $16.00 to $52.00 depending on size. Discount pricing for multiple days of publication.”
Lessee… so far the PC says I’ve written 235 words (and going up), so by that rate it’s $124.55 for Monday thru Saturday and $189.00 to run on a Sunday. Add the one-time charge and the price for a picture and the range is $161.55 to $197.55 on the low end and $225.00 to $261.00 for the high price spread.
No wonder we take out insurance. I think I’m going to limit mine to – “He lived and he died. If you know him you know what he looks like and if you don’t, it doesn’t matter.” (Neat – 22 words. $32.66 and $38.60. Now, that I can afford.)
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