September 11, has, once again, come and gone, with the world mourning those that died in the Terrorist Attacks. Although I share in that mourning, those attacks don’t hold the importance of the day that my Dad’s passing does. See, Dad passed September 11, 1997; he was one of my bestest, best friends.
Dad had a phrase, when a day was filled with fun and good memories, “This is a Golden Day, he would say.” He and I shared many of those days, throwing the baseball/football, building models together, flying RC together, riding motorcycles together, or just chatting.
Through an earlier part of my life, I developed “Stuff-itis.” The affliction of wanting, and buying, stuff, which I’ve done a bunch of over the years. Dad died at 67, I’m 55; creeping up on his age of passing. I’ve had three life changing events, motorcycle wreck in 2006, a mental and physical collapse in 2010, and double bypass in 2014. Yeah, that stuff’s gotten me thinking, now.
These days, I find myself seeing neat stuff, but instead of thinking that I really want it, I think, what will happen to it in a month or two; AND what kind of memories will it provide? More times than not, I come to the conclusion that it will probably be sitting, and will not provide that many good times, or memories. These days, I lean more towards events, and hanging with friends and family.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, I attended a show on the town square, Antiques, Art and Autos. It was a great show with LOTS of neat cars, trucks and motorcycles; highlighted by great music, great art, and awesome people watching. One of the vendors, was a young couple, Zack and Jen, (I’ve known Zack since he was in grade school), who have opened a mobile barber shop, The Bearded Lady. They’re using a retired Matco Tool truck, and have outfitted it with an antique barber chair, awesome wood cabinetry and trim; highlighted with some neat art.
I got my hairs cut, while there. It was a great experience and will be one of my fondest memories. Zack was an unofficial student of mine, learning how to metal fabricate, in his garage and my home shop. I don’t know how many times he called me, “Hey Keith, will come light the torch again?” It’s awesome to see him do something so grand.
About 6 months ago, Zack was sharing his vision of this new business idea. Of course, I urged him forward. In doing so, his wife now has her own place to do hair, and she’s no longer tied to another business’ hours. She got to enjoy the show, for the first time in years. Yeah, they were making memories.
Neat thing about memories, you don’t need walls, or shelves, or cabinets to store them; and they never need dusting, or fixing.
How about you? What have you purchased that sits unused in a closet or attic, and what memories do you have, that you regularly replay? Which holds the greatest value for you?
Peace!