From The Storyteller

September 4, 2017, Red’s

When you were in high school, where was the summer, Friday & Saturday night social center of the universe? For me it was the parking lots at Red’s drive in and the A&W. Some parked, stood around and were cool, but most of us would slowly drive through, hoping someone cool would acknowledge our existence and give us a reason to stop and talk.

To an adolescent teenage boy it was hell. The first problem, for a non-driver like myself, was getting a ride. This of course led to the second problem of being stuck in the middle of the back seat. I am not sure which made me feel worse – no ride or being stuck in the middle of the totally “uncool” back seat. Aging up to back seat window was a huge boost to my self-esteem, however being allowed to call “shotgun” topped it all.

During my last trip back to the old neighborhood I discovered the Beverly Arts Center was now holding forth where Red’s had been, and the A&W had surrendered its place to the Bow Wow Pet Laundry. Intellectually there was no surprise, yet on an emotional level surprise was real. I didn’t want Bow Wow Pet Laundry; I wanted the old A&W.

Reflecting on this emotional surprise brought a smile to my face.  Yes, those awkward teen years had some tough times, but when I graduated from Morgan Park High, I left with a ton of great memories. For me, however, the term “good old days” does not refer back to then. While remembering those days can bring smiles, my “good old days” are today.

Life today is interesting, fascinating, and a joy to explore. Yesterdays are good, but right now is better.

Moral – Life is about living; memories are the result.