YOU SURE ARE OLD

While waiting in line at Walmart I struck up a conversation with a little tike sitting in the buggy in front of me. After a few preliminary exchanges he cocked his head to one side and said: "you are old." I agreed and the conversation went on to other subjects.

 

Later, after reflecting on this bit of obvious wisdom I began to consider the worth or lack thereof of old people. Experience came to mind. No one was around to answer it so I asked myself this question. Why do interviewers usually ask young to middle aged pundits their reaction to and advice about current events and historical precedents relative to news stories? Why not ask the geezers? We know more than these whipper-snappers could begin to know. Wait until they are old fogies then they might know something.

 

I submit my resume':

 

I was born during the early part of World War II in the southern state of Georgia. I lived through the Korean War (conflict, for those who think there is a moral difference). I never knew slavery but I was well aware of the infamous Jim Crow. White and colored water fountains, movie theaters, libraries, taxi cabs, schools, restrooms and blacks in the back (buses) were standard fare. I never attended a school where blacks were admitted. Even the janitors were white. I never knew the pain that black people were experiencing, but then I was never expected to understand for I was in a different world and social norms were never violated until the sit-ins began. I didn't understand them (I do now).

 

I served in the US Navy during the early part of Vietnam. I understand the mind of a military man.

 

I've been a sinner (still am--saved by grace) and a saint (sometimes), have accomplished things I am proud of and some things not so much.

 

I have served on six juries from a civil suit to the murder of a police office. I've been a plaintiff, a defendant, and a witness in court, as well as a lay Guardian ad Litem. I've seen crooked judges, lawyers, and jurors, but more often than not honest hard-working judges, lawyers and jurors. 

 

I have run for political office and lost, run for political office and lost and run for political office and lost (there's no typo, that's three times).

 

I have reared three daughters and have three granddaughters and have been married to the same wonderful lady for nearly forty seven (47) years. I know about family.

 

I was reared to say ma'am, sir, please and thank you, give my seat to a lady and respect the flag ministers, adults, and those in authority.

 

As a child calling an adult by their first name was a punishable offence and one of which I was never convicted. A good lesson for today I might add.

 

I have worked in the private sector as an electrician's apprentice, riveter, lineman, system technician, and supervisor.

 

God called me to the ministry and I have pastored six churches.

 

The list is far greater than the aforementioned but I am sure few have read this far so it is time to sign off and submit my resume' with the admission that I am not as qualified as many in my age group but it will have to do.

 

My point is simply. The experience of the elderly is overlooked by young and old alike. The shame is that we who have been there know the score and will be willing to share if only asked. Don't neglect the wisdom of the aged for they know far more than the young and can bring clarity to much of the ills of today's world if just given the chance. There's a great deal more to old age than bingo, shuffleboard, arthritis and false teeth.

 

So to you young-uns (that's anyone under 50), SHUT UP AND LISTEN.