Back In My Day

     At one time or another we have all heard someone, usually an older person, say something along the lines of , “Back in my day,” or “When I was young.” A few of my friends made up some “back in my day sayings” of our own. Some of these were, “Back in my day, we didn’t have no stinking computers or televisions. We would read markings on the rocks for entertainment.” “Back in my day there wasn’t no such thing as music. Instead, I was too busy listening to the sound of our crying after I got a good beating.” “Back in my day we would walk thirty miles to the bus stop at two o’clock in the morning so that we could go to school. Did I mention that this walk is uphill both ways?I was grateful for my schooling. I did not complain about no homework. I did my homework, made breakfast, tended the sheep, and sowed my trousers while I walked the thirty miles. If I was crying, I actually had a reason.” We made hundreds of these jokes that made us laugh so hard that we cried. We do not completely doubt the words of our elders, but we realize that they are experts in the art of sarcasm.

     I feel bad for the people who live in the past. The highlight of their lives was high school. I am not saying that I have not enjoyed High school, but I am saying that I expect my life to improve. Don't think that your life is over after graduation. I pity people who graduate and then decide to stay in Holbrook for the rest of their lives without furthering their education and living with their parents until they are thirty. Make something of yourself.

     I heard someone say that once you graduate, you become a guest in your parents house. It is alright to visit for a few weeks but don't depend on them to support you. Don't be the person who teenagers laugh at because you live in the past. Live right now.