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A lot of times when you mention the good old days to a younger person they may seem uninterested.
That's because you lived in the good old days and they never had the experience.
But all the good old days are not all that good. Many people of an advanced age have experienced loss of loved one and friends through death, have encountered serious illness, business problems, divorce.....you get the picture.
But if the person talking about the good old days is still here then that person knows how to survive when times are tough.
Last week I was fortunate to witness a very special ceremony that honored a group of men from the 1950's whose accomplishments on the baseball field were forgotten until Paul Lagan wrote a book about their experiences last year. "The Amazing Journey of the Kickapoo Kids" is quickly moving up the best seller list and is a wonderful read about....yes....the good old days.
Lagan was elected to speak at the ceremony which also included a trophy presentation to North Crawford High School. His speech had a message that can be applied to all.
One personal thought. Regardless of all the accolades, what I'm most proud about these lifelong friends of mine is that they have never lost their character or courage. I believe this is due to our upbringing. Character because we maintained the same values as when we were kids. Courage in what most of us have experienced in life.
This is what he said:
"As the Kickapoo Kids had to come from behind more than once to win- so many of us have had to deal with adversity as adults. I expect you will also, and when that time comes it's important to remember that just as every mountain has its peak, every valley has it bottom. Misfortune never leaves us where it found us-it can actually be one of the best teaching tools for our lives.
"I happen to believe we are in this world for a reason-and part of it is to make it a better place while we're here. Although we all have our own private field of dreams, I'm sure my teammates well tell you that success is not about money or fame-it's about achieving a predetermined goal, doing it with a clear consistence, and being happy. Baseball taught us to never leave anything on the field-to give it our best. Most of us carried that throughout life.
"Our society is much different now than when we were your ages. I'd like to encourage you to make a difference in this world, as these "Kids" have, before you go on to the next. I heard someone say that hell for him would to be shown what he could have accomplished in life if he only had a little more courage. I can't do everything-but I can do something-and that's the key. God has given us Kids a few extra innings to play this game of life. I wrote a best-selling novel at the age of 80-who knows where your field of dreams will lead you if you only have the courage to try. If everyone would have the courage to do something our world would be a much better place to live."