REFLECTIONS "Growing up in the 50's" LEAD IN TO MY REFLECTIONS

LEAD IN TO MY REFLECTIONS

Somewhere in the midst of Dad passing on in 1989 at the age of 71 combined with myself growing older, I felt a need to share thoughts and stories that I could leave behind for my children and grandchildren so one day, they could gain a greater insight in to who this ole guy was. Thus, I was inspired complete my first book of my childhood reflections. I want to express my love and appreciation to my Mom and Dad and two of the greatest brothers a kid brother could ever hope for . It was my close bound family that gave me the memories and foundation to be able to share some fond memories now so many years later. 

From the time we are born we begin carving our path of life.  As we progress along that path, we are continually leaving a trail of experiences which mold us into who we are at this moment in time. Reflection of those experiences and the willingness to share them with our loved ones help create our legacy. Leaving a legacy comes in various forms; however, I truly believe the most treasured method is our personalized written thoughts, beliefs, and personal accounting of past experiences.

REFLECTIONS "Growing up in the 50's" CHAPTER 1 "Split Pepsi"

 

Nostalgia
tidbit: In the 1950’s all cola came in glass returnable bottles. To avoid a 5 cent per
bottle deposit charge, you always wanted to bring empties to exchange for full
bottles. You could actually sell empty bottles to any store for 5 cents per
bottle. We made extra money often by collecting empty bottles along the roadside
and selling them.

 

Chapter 1

 

The Split Pepsi

As a kid, I lived for the Pepsi Cola I would have every night at the dinner table.
After Dad got home from work each evening, he would pick up the empty 6 pack
of 10oz Pepsi bottles and off to the store he would go. He would always bring back
 a fresh 6 pack of Pepsi. He did that every night for all those years until my brothers
and I were out of the household. The beauty of it was not only did we drink a whole
 bottle each at dinner, but my two brothers and I would split the sixth one later in
the evening  I can remember so clearly how the three of us would stand at the kitchen
 table and line up three glasses.
We usually took turns pouring that one Pepsi equally into those three glasses. We
were careful that it was as equal as humanly possible. Wow, a whopping 3.3 ozs
a piece! I know I sipped mine gradually so it would last as long as possible. 
It was a simple pleasure, but it was a true pleasure. Later when my oldest brother
 left the household to be on his own, I had mixed feelings. I was sad to see him go,
but on the bright side, that sixth Pepsi would now only have to be split into two glasses. 
Once my other brother left home, I was older and the Split Pepsi excitement had lost its
glamour. By then, I could I actually rub enough coins together to buy my own. It’s really
 strange that today, and for many years now, I really don’t favor the taste of Pepsi.
It seems too sweet.

Our taste really does change as life progresses!

 

 

LEAVING A LEGACY MEANS MORE THAN" WHAT YOU LEAVE BEHIND"

Yes, leaving a legacy , more importantly, means WHO DO YOU LEAVE BEHIND! A noted author, Tony Compolo, once talked about... how will you be remembered. "As folks stand around your gravesite upon your departure will they hasten away to go eat potato salad or will they hang around awhile and talk about how you positively influenced their lives."
So what kind of person are you...what do you stand for and who really cares? I think your loved ones care, especially your immediate family.
I believe that one of the greatest gifts we can give our loved ones are our stories, beliefs, and life experiences. A hundred years from now , just think how much value our personal stories and accountings will hold compared to the silverware or china we leave behind.
The good news is that you don't have to be a senior citizen to start this process. As a younger adult, there is no better time than now, to start paying attention as to what type of legacy you want to leave behind. So much of it is under your influence.

REFLECTIONS "Growing up in the 50s"

My book REFLECTIONS "Growing up in the 50's" is currently available in electronic book format only. To receive your free copy all you need to do is make your request to my email address:
darrell77@comcast.net