I am always being on the alert for anything involving the generation called the ‘Greatest Generation.’ I’m 77! No spring chicken. But I am still making some moderate efforts to keep the body functioning. I swim. Been doing it 4 times a week almost every week since ’82.
As I enter the facility where I swim, I walk past the basketball court to get to the locker room. And many times over the past few years there are a bunch of guys playing a full court game .(We used to call them ‘pick-up games.) Being a one- time jock I often spend a few minutes as a spectator. The ages are mostly between about 20 and 35 with one exception. At times there is a man going up and down that court with a full crop of pure white hair, an accompanying white mustache and very aged skin. Being an old guy myself I fixate on him. I often speculated he is probably couple years younger then me. Even though he lacks the agility he once had, there is no denying the great shape he is in and he is a pleasure to watch. Each time he is playing, I have seen the other players paying him a wonderful compliment; they simply treat him as another player.
Last week I got there an hour later then usual. As I approached the building the older basketball player fully dressed was leaving. So I had to do it. I stopped him, excused myself and offered my hand, ‘Hi, I’ve been watching you play with those young guysand think you’re great still getting out there. And I am honored to shake your hand!’
Without hesitation, I got a very firm handshake. With bright blue eyes and a confident smile, he said, ‘I’m 89, still going and looking ahead!’
Ever since my childhood, that great generation of the 30s continues to amaze me!!
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