Memories, Friends, and Life

[CUEBALL]

I am sitting here, getting ready for bed. I spent a while messaging my wife and kids, watched a movie on my laptop, and layed out my things for an early Army morning. I threw on my MP3 player an Album of my youth, (yes I still to this day call all music 'albums'). Pretty normal, except this Album was Blue Oyster Cult, and the song was 'Astronomy'. I don't know why, but I got a feeling I get many times a week over the past five or so years; one of memories of youth gone by, friends I have known and friends I have still, things I have done and experiences I have had. I am on my 2nd time through the song and thought I'd share some with the friends I have on this board. Seems strange to say that, cyber friends, but it is what it is.
I sometimes think that the choices I have made in life weren't the best, or weren't what I should do, or aren't totally true to me. I am a crazy, free spirited guy whose outer persona belies the truth within. But I think we are all that way to a certain extent, we trade certain things of our souls for the friends, families and world we have. We humans are a strange breed.
I remember the times I spent with my small town buddies, doing things of youth that I thought I'd never quit, with people I thought I would never grow apart from. I never thought in that time that I would ever get old, I would ever join the society that I despised. Who knew what they would think when they got older?
I remember cruising the streets, with many strangers along the way that you could share a few moments with and exchange a bit of ourselves at the same time. How they became a piece in the puzzle of our existence. Carefree optimism still abounds, but definitely in smaller doses.
How many of us would do it again, the excesses of youth, the trials and tribulations of our teenage years, the forward leaning brashness of our twenties, the homesteading resignation of our thirties, and for all that lies ahead? Many here understand what I mean.
I have had many friends, some good, some great, some gone. But listening to my Album choice tonight, I am reminded that we are all connected, my friends and I, and I am still hanging out in 1980 listening to a vinyl record we played those many years ago. My friends are still here around me, I bet they can hear it too. Bruce, Chris, Jeff, Tony.
Life is strange. Some choose greatness, some choose fame, while others choose fortune. I am content to choose experience and just smell the forest and lay in the grass. I would do it all over again the exact same way. And I sure as heck will, given the chance.
I suppose that's why I like my car as much as I do. Bridging the line between crazy nut me and the family guy me. The impetuous teenager at 150MPH and the refined father in the school parking lot. I hope that all your paths lead you where they should instead of where they should not.
I am glad to have known many here, and experienced with you tonight. Its what its about... sharing and experience and connection. Its about Memories.....Friends......Life!

[Meister]

Well said, CUEBALL.

[Moose]

CUEBALL, thanks for the wonderful story. Brought back some great memories for myself...

Additionally, thank you for serving this great country.

Moose.

[HEMEEE]

CUE-y, you know how I feel about you and your post just put a lump in my throat.
Beautiful thoughts, beautifully expressed.

As the song goes:
"Regrets, I've had a few, but then again, too few to mention..."

I believe every experience we've had is a life-lesson and building block in the evolution of who we will become. If we had the ability to change those things, the outcome of our life would be affected in ways we can only speculate about. For that reason, I wouldn't change a thing - I love my life and all that encompasses.... including this car, this forum, these friendships!

Thank you for the thought-provoking post!
Love ya big guy

[Big Bob]

Hey CUEBALL, You are the greatest!

[Mr.DJ]

Well, CUEBALL, I was right there with you listening to 'Astronomy' as well...only several hours behind you, yet with you nonetheless. As soon as you mentioned this song, I grabbed my 'The Best of Blue Oyster Cult' album (CD) and cued-up this song so that it would play in the background while I shared your thoughts as I read your words. Well said my friend, and just envision the rest of all there....listening to that song beside you. Stay safe.

[cbutler32]

cueball,
well said my friend...
if there were a way to get you here in 2 weeks...
man I would...
I just don't know a friggin person in the Army other than you and Marnepup...
we will keep you in our thoughts (and every time I hit the gas pedal - ok maybe not every time - that might get a little weird thinking about a guy named cueball every time - ) and prayers...
I thank you personally and ever man and woman that serves this country and allows me to sleep soundly at night knowing that my family is ok and protected by men and women both here and abroad...
for those that stand the watch on the wall...
I thank you...
Sincerely,
cbutler32

[Lik2race]

I can see it clearly....
Crew cuts, Blue jeans with rolled up cuffs,hula hoops,
Duncan yo-yo's, my '34 Ford pickup truck, Pepsi-Cola ..in the bottle..with peanuts, 10 cent Hardee's Hamburger ( cheeseburger 15 cents ), movie for a quarter.
Sadly, most all my friends from days gone by,
were either killed in VietNam, or have died of illnesses along the way.
I survived Vietnam, plus 23 years of Law Enforcement, and I'm still here.
Bringing up these memories put a smile on my face,
but also a frown in my heart; But MANY more smiles than frowns.
Now after looking back I do wish I could have made some better decisions.
I have seen so many things ( good & bad ), sometimes it just boggles the mind.
So many things would have been different, but God has His
plan set out for me, and I'll accept things as they are.
Tomorrow is a new day..Let's just see what happens.
Thanks guys & cueball..for letting me lean on your shoulders for a moment.
Stan

[Meister]

Originally Posted by Lik2race

I can see it clearly....
Crew cuts, Blue jeans with rolled up cuffs,hula hoops,
Duncan yo-yo's, my '34 Ford pickup truck, Pepsi-Cola ..in the bottle..with peanuts, 10 cent Hardee's Hamburger ( cheeseburger 15 cents ), movie for a quarter.

...So many things would have been different, but God has His
plan set out for me, and I'll accept things as they are.
Tomorrow is a new day..Let's just see what happens.
Thanks guys & cueball..for letting me lean on your shoulders for a moment.
Stan

Anytime, Stan my man. Beautifully said.

To the memory lane list, your mention of Pepsi, in the bottle, with peanuts (also in the bottle) brought on a big grin. I'd only add... Coca-Cola, in the small glass bottle... Finest tasting pop there ever was.

Especially with a bag of Tom's Roasted Peanuts carefully added.

[Riddler]

Who can honestly say that didn't bring a tear to their eye...