Listen to Voice of Experience

As I lay down for the night I am still reminded of something that happened today that is keeping me from sleeping. I was in Walmart getting some items for the house. As I was walking around I noticed this older lady with her granddaughter. I know this was the case because I heard the youngster call her grandma. Apparently the young girl found her job of the day to speed her grandmother up through the store and roll her eyes every time grandma was trying to tell her something. Grandma was trying to teach her granddaughter a few things about shopping. The granddaughter was too busy texting her friends, snapchatting and listening to what sounded like 8 cats fighting in a broom closet.

This got me to thinking about my Pa Rube. My mom’s dad. He was a mountain of a man. His hands are still the biggest hands I ever saw. I loved my Pa Rube and wanted to spend as much time with him as I could. Because Pa Rube liked to teach me things. And when Pa Rube told me to do something, he told me why I was doing it. I never heard him say “because I said so” but an elementary level explanation as to why I was doing what I was doing. Pa Rube died when I was 12. But I remember so many things he taught me, one of which was listen to “old people” (his words not mine). I asked him why and his answer has always stuck with me, “Because you don’ get to be old being a fool.”

To this day I love spending time with “old people” although that isn’t politically correct anymore. So I call them experienced people. Because the best way you can learn is by listening to the voice of experience. Talking to people who have been there and done that. One of my favorite activities is just sitting and listening to experienced people talk. They tell stories like it is an oral history class. They share funny stories, sad events, and usually great advice. In fact, I would say the majority of those I call close friends are 10 years or more my elder.

One of the highlights of my year is going to the Boys Sweet 16. I so enjoy my time there. Yes, I work, but I also get to spend time with some of the most wonderful people on earth. One of my best buddies is a man by the name of Bobby Flynn. He is in his 80’s and I have heard so many sports stories from him I could write a book. I so enjoy being around him. This year was the first year I can ever remember Mr Flynn not being at the Sweet 16. He was ill. I literally cried because I missed listening to my friend. I have another dear friend who is a little older, not much, than me. I won’t mention her name because Pa Rube also taught me to never reveal a woman’s age, but if she is reading this she knows who she is. The first time I walk into the back door at Rupp Arena and she’s not there with her smile and a hug, I will be devastated. She means that much to me. I love going to the Sweet 16 to catch up with old broadcasters, friends, coaches, fans.



I can write on this topic for hours, but the bottom line is this: those of you who are young and have taken time to read this old farts post to this point, good for you, but take time for your grandparents and other more seasoned adults in your life. They have so much to offer. The older I get the more I realize the importance of history and learning. I know, I hear it said all the time, “Grandma don’t even know how to turn on her computer” well, you probably can’t thread a needled and sew on a button. “Grandpa doesn’t know how to text” Well, you probably don’t know here the breaker box is if a storm knocked out your power. Teach grandma how to get on her computer and show grandpa how to text. I am sure they would love to teach you a little about life. Trust me, someday us old folks will be gone from your life, and I bet when that happens, some of you will say, “I wish I could have asked them about……” Don’t wait. Take time today to ask. I know I would love to answer your questions. God bless!