Girl Friends (Old Age) - July 26, 2012

When I was a young man courting the girls I played me a waiting game; If a maid refused

me with tossing curls I let the old earth take a couple of whirls While I plied her with tears

in lieu of pearls And as time came around she came my way, As time came around she came.

So goes the verse of a very popular song from the 30’s called “September Song.”  It had a

hauntingly beautiful melody and was written for a Musical Play and was later featured in

a movie.  The song was sung in these venues by an “elderly” gentleman who was looking

back on his past experiences, sort of reminiscing.  Kind of what I do in these bi-weekly

visits. Now I don’t remember plying any of my girlfriends with tears but I do remember

some of my girlfriends.  The first one was Johnnie Faye.  We were both three years old.

She lived across the street and we played together a lot.  Her mom played games with

us and taught us our ABC’s and some simple math.  When I entered the first grade, I

could read, add, subtract and multiply.  In the meantime, my parents moved us to a

house in another part of town.  I don’t know what ever became of Johnnie Faye and

her family. Fast forward about ten years.  Shelby and I were downtown watching the

old Tom Mix western at the medicine show when we noticed these two girls.  It was the

sisters Ann and Mary.  We went over and introduced ourselves.  Ann and I spent a lot

of time together after that.  Then school was over and she moved to another town.

Oh, it’s a long, long while From May to December, But the days grow short When you

reach September. 

Perry used to say “getting old is not for sissies.”   He was a member

of the OFC (Old F**ts  Club) along with seven others.  We still meet at Dean’s about

three or four times a year for a time of telling stories and having a bunch of laughs then

go somewhere for lunch.  Occasionally we will bring along the wives for the lunch

time, usually in March when most of us celebrate our birthdays.  We’re down to six

members now.  Perry and Billy Charles are no longer with us.  We sure miss them.

When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame, One has-n’t got time for the waiting

game. 

I was at the doctor for my “wellness” checkup.  This is political correctness for

annual physical.  Dr. Robert asked me how I was feeling.  “Fine” I said.  Fine?  FINE?

I’m not fine.  Every bone in my body aches.  I have trouble getting in and out of my

car.  I have glaucoma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and several minor ailments.

I used to say that medicine was made to sell, not made to take.  Now I take about fifteen

pills every day plus throw in a few Tylenol tablets along the way.  I usually fall asleep

in my chair while reading the paper after supper, wake up during the 10 o’clock news

and soon after amble off to bed.  I guess this is common for us octogenarians.  Fine???

Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few-------September,-------November!----

I was back for my senior year in college and was having a coke at the student union

with  some friends when she and several freshman girls walked in.  My heart did a flip-

flop.  Who was this beauty?  Where did she come from?  I asked Charlotte to find out

and let me know as soon as possible.  A couple of days later, Charlotte called.  She gave

me Anita’s name and strongly suggested that I should call her.  I did and we went to the

movie on our first date which didn’t turn out too well (my fault).  However, she agreed on

a second date and things improved from there.  We were married in 1953 and five days

later I left for my two year tour of duty in the army.  Many times told that she was a “saint”

for putting up with me these many years, I still consider myself a very fortunate man.

And these few precious days I’ll spend with you, These precious days I’ll spend with you.

Enjoying the old songs but getting sentimental here in Calico Rock, this is Reed.  Bye!!