LEAVE IT TO PEEVER

It all goes by so fast

-Bumper sticker of the week: Whatever the government gives, it must first take away.

-Quote of the week: “We’re so engaged in doing things to achieve purposes of outer value that we forget the inner value, the rapture that is associated with being alive, is what it is all about.” Joseph Campbell

-Let’s see: Yes, I predicted Obama would win the Democratic nomination. Now for the election.

-Today is the Chinese New Year. It is the year of the Earth Rat. I hear they’re holding a celebration at the White House.

-Tourism director confident Hall of Fame will be a big hit: There’s a vote of confidence. I think the mold may have influenced her thinking. A Railroad Hall of Fame may bring in an additional 1000 people per year, which is not bad. If all of them eat, sleep, drink, and get a DUI in Galesburg, revenue should go up.

-It all goes by so fast: The first thing I can remember as a child is my best friend forgetting to pick me up on my first day of school. I was 5. I’m not sure if that being my first memory is good or bad. I did forgive him. At the time, my parents and I were living in an apartment above a bakery. I can remember waking up in the morning to the aroma of fresh bread baking. On the way to school, I would stop by to grab a fresh donut. I’m not certain if the baker ever charged my father or not. I did become addicted to sweets. In the eighth grade, I won the science fair. Beat all the smart girls, which I thought was great. Later, I met Warner Von Braun at the regional science fair in St. Louis. He autographed a book for me, which I still have. In high school, I played basketball and baseball. Baseball was my better game. My senior year, we won the district tournament and lost our second game in the regional, 2-1. That same night, my father died of a sudden heart attack. He was 46. I was 18, two weeks from graduation. I went to work to help my mother for a time, then I went to Southern Illinois University. I graduated in 1971 with a degree in sociology and political science. Very useful degrees, I might add. That same year, I married my wife. I was 23, she 22. We were childhood sweethearts. We have known one another probably since age 8, or so. It was the best thing I have ever done, but I’m not so sure about her. In 1975, we moved to Wisconsin. At that same time, we had our first child, a daughter. It’s hard to describe. Maybe awesome covers it. It definitely changes your life, and perspective. While in Wisconsin, my wife went to anesthesia school, and I to graduate school. She became a nurse anesthetist, and I a family therapist. In late 1979, we moved to Galesburg. At the same time, we had our second child, a boy. More awesome. My wife started working at St. Mary’s, where she continues to work, and I worked at Spoon River, now Bridgeway, for a total of 20 years, and at RFMS for 5. We have lived in the same house on Seminary street for 30 years. The one with the magical front porch. I spend a lot of time on the swing, counting traffic. We anticipated living in Galesburg for 5 years. So much for plans. In 2000, I almost died. Heart attack, quadruple by-pass, and a sternal infection. I wouldn’t recommend almost dying to anyone, but it does give you a new perspective on life. In 2002, my mother died, leaving me parentless. So I adopted. Now I have Buddy and Dorothy, Bill and Lorraine, and Jim and Louise. I retired in 2006. And on April 4, 2008, I will turn 60. I don’t feel bad about it, having almost died. In fact, I look forward to it. Each year is one I almost didn’t get. Now, all I need to do is improve on my use of them. My, how the time flies. It all goes by so fast.