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(cont)
Of all things, I graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. In those days there was no Air Force Academy, so 25% 25% of USNA grads and 25% of West Point grads could volunteer for the Air Force. I had spent about 6 months at sea, during two summers, and it was bo-o-o-o-ring, so I figured flying would keep me awake. The big thing was that in the Air Force one got their wings in a year whereas the Navy took at least a year and a half. At 21, six months is a long time; not anymore, at 80 "the bird of time has but a little way to flutter--and Lo! The bird is on the wing"
Omar Khayyam
It turned out that flying was boring too, interspersed with a few minutes of absolute terror, however, that's another story.
Back to reminiscing and loneliness. When I got out of the service I went to work with my Dad, rather than for him. We became good friends. We had plenty of heated discussions, like all people who get close. There can be differences of opinion. We worked together for fifteen years. I was someone that he could depend on plus I was someonee who would listen to and enjoy his reminiscences. He let me in on his whole life, or at least 90% of it. The other 10% was secret, probably some too good for my ears and some not so good. His best stories were about his early years. I never even minded when he told the same story two or three times. I didn't ever tell him that "I heard that one". He was a great story teller.. Actually just being with him was an adventure. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. Yet he was anything but boringHe was a gambler. He liked to say, "I'll bet on anything, as long as it doesn't talk". He'd bet on horses, his favorite, dogs, roaches scurrying across the floor, but no baseball, football or basketball- they might shave the points.
I have a lot of good memories. I'm lucky. I'm also lucky that I really can't remember the bad times. I know that I must have had bad experiences, but I don't remember them as bad. I have to think really hard to come up with experiences from the dark side.
the bottom line is that my luck has probably run out. I'm on the dark side now. Grandpa Dave is long gone and my parents are too, my brothers are only available by phone and my childre are spread all over the U.S. Family has disappeared from the menu of my life.
It sounds like there is no hope doesn't it? All is not lost. Old people may not be able to do the things that they used to do, however (my favorite word), they can do new things because of TV and the inernet. Those two items are a God send to me. Even though I can't get around like I once could, I can get around in the virtual world of the internet. That's a WOW! Now that I've found you folks, I can reminisce to my heart content. Some of you may enjoy the stories. If you do, please let me know.
Robert--Please write some more. Did you ever learn to sail or own a boat? What other memories of your life are important to you since leaving the Naval Academy and the Air Force? Tell us more!
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