I am now in my mid sixties and as I look back on my life, I see the many changes that have taken place. The advancements in technology have been fascinating. The pride and patriotism of American business has felt us for the desire of greed by big business. The middle class is dwindling as the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Our government that one worked for the benefit of the American people is now working for the benefit of special interests.
There have also been many changes in my personal life as I used to look at life through the eyes of a little boy. Now I look at life through the eyes of an older man. I have to smile at some of the things that come to my mind as I write this.
I used to look at my dad shaving and I thought to myself, I can't wait until I shave. Now I am sixty five and every time I pick up that razor I think to myself, gee I wish I didn't have to shave all the time. Funny how things can change from the way a little boy sees it and the way an older man looks at it.
I remember sitting in class at school and thinking that I can't wait until the day I got out of school and could start working. It didn't take long in my adult life as I was often working two jobs to make ends meet, that I realized school wasn't so bad after all.
I remember as a young man I often said things or did things to people that I am now ashamed of. It took time in my life to mature and realize that everyone wants the same things in life. Everyone deserves kindness and respect. I now look at everyone I see as a potential friend. Friends are an important part of life and a true friend is someone you can tell secrets to and know they will just remain between the two of you.
The little boy I was wanted to be a forest ranger. That never materialized as this little boy went to work in a factory where his father and brother worked. It wasn't my first choice and was the start of thirty years of working in manufacturing. It was often stressful, but paid well. Now as I am retired I look back on that time and think, did I ever regret not becoming a forest ranger? Yes, at times I did regret that decision.
I have had other regrets in life. There was a time after I got out of the military that I had a chance to learn how to fly. I visited a local airport, took a ride in a small aircraft, and was told that the government would pay for 90%. I was at that time working in a factory, had a wife and a small child. It was my decision to turn down the offer to learn how to fly because I was working about seventy hours a week.
I now look back and wonder what could have been. However, I also look back and feel proud of what I have done in my life. I now have a wife of 43 years, 2 wonderful children, and 5 grand kids that I adore.
One other change I can think of. When I was in school I had no desire to be a writer. It was the last thing that I thought I would ever want to do. Now here I am in my golden years writing a blog, have had stories published in Our USA Magazine, had a novel published and am in the process of getting more published.
I love life and enjoy getting up every day, petting my adopted dog, and knowing that my wife and I will still have many more years together. God bless life and God bless America, the land that I love.
Copyright Larry W. Fish 2014
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