The Good Old Days

Remembering a period in time where hopes and dreams could be fulfilled

As another summer of the Autumn of my years approaches I am so often reminded of the joy in anticipation when soft summer winds rolled in during the days of my youth. What precious memories can do for your soul. The peace and tranquility in remembrance of days long since past are the highlights of my existence now. Today, the world tumbles it's way forward. But, in truth looking back should always pave a path toward the way forward. And, yet too many times man has failed to recognize what lies in the past are so helpful in securing the future.

 

What is so disturbing in this particular year are many instances where that joy of the approaching summer season where those summer breezes that used to lift our spirits so have turned into gale force winds bringing storm clouds of discontent, terror and woe. All over the world the misery continues. Even now when one reaches the rocking chair existence where life should be just a breeze as that old saying goes but, in reality too many are faced with hardship after hardship. Millions face the struggles of life every day. Days filled with anxiety and fear.

 

As I think back to those warm gentle summers of long ago never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined what the world would be like it is today. The grim reality of terror ever since 9/11 has been a constant reminder of how savage our world has become. When you think back there really was a period in time where hopes and dreams really could be fulfilled, when summer breezes flowed so softly by and when friendships were forged that have endured the test of time. Now, all that is left are those precious memories that are always tucked away in the recesses of my mind.

 

Ah, yes the good old days and as Nat King Cole sang "Those days of soda, pretzels, and beer" And, my father always remarked they were the days. For quite some time now I have begun to think my father was right. For the days of my youth really were the good old days. The world today is fast and furious. The turbulent times have drowned out peaceful remembrances of just yesterday. No longer are many able to frolic away time in innocent play as I did when I was young. The constant plight of so many now are all consumed with existing and not living.

 

 Many have asked what went wrong? How is it in America and around the world with all the scientific, medical and technological advances there still remains so much inequality, greed, disease, and terror? Sure, back 60 years ago my parents worked but they were also able to enjoy life. Today, too many can only exist trying to make it through just one more day. Much can be said about our society today when we look at our inner cities all around the country. The once strong family unit where both parents had the responsibility of parenthood has been replaced by one parent or a grand parent. What is even worse is that today there is a record high rate of foster care children. The rise in homelessness has also contributed to the demoralization of the family unit.

 

What made the United States such an inspiration ever since our founding was the strength of the family. When the family unit is no longer the backbone of our society as we have already seen the consequences that are playing out all around the USA are a constant reminder of a society that has truly lost it's way. When you add today's great income disparity gab where millions of incomes are nowhere near sufficient to cover the ever increasing cost of living adds to the constant struggle so many have just making it through the day. Compared to the reality of just 50 years ago makes a very strong case why my good old days really were the Good Old Days.

 

Maybe there is hope is regaining some semblance of a period in time where hopes and dreams can be fulfilled. Where that joy of an approaching season brings a resurgence of a better quality of life. Where everyone can live in harmony with one another and nature. But, in order to fulfill that promise so that people can truly say today and tomorrow are the Good Old Days we as a society must come together in a unity of purpose. A unity to right the wrongs of corporate greed, shrug off the yoke of apathy that is keeping government from working for the people and realize that our greatest strengths as a nation is our diversity, the cohesiveness of the family unit and the sanctity of life. 

 

This nation today has a unique opportunity to make people say when they remember the next ten years those were the "Good Old Days" We must not squander this opportunity in realizing our full potential lies in remembering what made my good old days and relate that period to be adapted for the times of today. The good old days, a period when hopes and dreams could be fulfilled can come again.