If I have a fatal flaw, other than beer, it is a longing for people I loved who are gone forever. My Great Grandfather, Grandfather, Father and I were all born on December 24. My great grandfather and Grandfather both died on their birthday when their oldest grandson turned two. Four generations of us share that day. My son missed by a week or so. He was born on Jan. 3, 1978. I kid him and he says, 'Hey! I can't help it if I knew what to avoid, even before I was born!' I smile at that, because my son is a better man than all of us old guys. But for four generations, all of us were born on our fathers 21st birthday. Maybe this brought about an obsession with the past at a very early age for me.
I miss the times when we didn't need to lock the door. I miss the times when we left the keys in our vehicles when we left town for a few days... in case the neighbors needed the vehicle for some reason. I miss the times when if a farmer had to be out of town for a few days, all of us would milk and feed his dairy herd twice a day and keep his place running for him.
I miss the times when we were all gentle in our language. To utter a 'cuss' word was not done in public. To use bad language was a sign of limited ability back then. I wish we could return to that.
I miss my Mothers dad. He taught me about life and how to be a good person. I miss him a lot. I miss him making fun of sports and the Beatles and rock-and-roll... 'A Bunch of grown men playing games. They should be ashamed.' he would say. I know how he feels now as the new generation of 'XSports' blooms with this generation. To him, a 'sport' was a pulling match at the state fair with his team of horse once a year. To me it was watching Jim Brown and Johnny Unitas. Now it is all gone. The sportsmanship is gone. The feeling of joy at play is gone. It is all business, sports radio, pre-game hype, endorsement and money now. Now winning is everything. Then, it was nothing, or next to nothing.
I wish the kindness and gentle attitude we had could return. I don't think it can, or will.
Well, I am pleased to report that there are still a few places left where doors are never locked, car keys dangle in the ignition of most of the vehicles, and neighbors actually know each other and are happy to look after each others places when needed.
But then we're from the same part of the country, aren't we! 🙂
Marc
Originally posted by mwmillerYes. In the city now. To make a living. But I'm happy to say that our family and friends in Star Valley still adhere to those same values. Makes me happy. You know? Just plain happy.
Well, I am pleased to report that there are still a few places left where doors are never locked, car keys dangle in the ignition of most of the vehicles, and neighbors actually know each other and are happy to look after each others place ...[text shortened]... n we're from the same part of the country, aren't we! 🙂
Marc
Post Script:
We had some friends from Alaska visit your wonderful town last week. They both emailed us and said how impressed they were with your friendly attitudes and how they would move to Cody in a minute... Anyway... Nice going to Cody, for being a good place to visit or live.
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Originally posted by StarValleyWyWe still dont lock our home over here in itsy bitsy New Hampshire...I'd do the same for my car, except I wpolud be too afraid I would lock myself out! By the way, 4 of you born on the same day is quite bizarre
If I have a fatal flaw, other than beer, it is a longing for people I loved who are gone forever. My Great Grandfather, Grandfather, Father and I were all born on December 24. My great grandfather and Grandfather both died on their birthday when their oldest grandson turned two. Four generations of us share that day. My son missed by a week or so. He w ...[text shortened]...
I wish the kindness and gentle attitude we had could return. I don't think it can, or will.
Originally posted by Bobla45Actually, we have aligned it to the arrival of spring. March 20-22 in that time frame. Add the correct number of months-days... Dec. 24. We all just loved the arrival of spring, it would seem.😀
By the way, 4 of you born on the same day is quite bizarre[/b]
Which is really weird because 3 out of four of us have an older sister born on first day of spring. My sister Elaine was born on March 21, 1945. Grandpa's Sister was born on jan 3. It is weird.
Well, apperently, the most popular birth date now is however many months and days after feb 14th. If thats not kinda pleasing and worrying at the same time I'm not sure what is.
Jim.
P.S. and theres still places like that near where I live. Granted, I don't personnally leave my door unlocked. But, a couple of friends who live a bit further out of town do.