Everyone has a life. Some are just more interesting than others - and I was fortunate to be born in interesting times - 1946. World War II had just ended, and people had a massive sense of relief. The world had been saved, the GI Bill allowed thousands of returning veterans to buy homes and attend collage and Life Was Good.
My life seems to have divided itself into five distinct parts.
1. I was a typical (?) school kid. Nothing much to brag about and just a bit boring. I was fortunate enough not to have to study. My grades were mediocre because homework counted toward the grade - I hated rote homework. My test scores are all that allowed me to pass. I did well enough on my SAT test to get an all expense paid plus stipend scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. With typical teenage arrogance I turned it down.
After a few months in a tool and die apprenticeship I volunteered for the draft. This was in 1965 and the Viet Nam War had not yet become a big deal.
2. My life as a soldier in the US Army. It wasn't "normal". I started in an Army Band playing a trumpet, I ended in the Army's navy. I have more deep water sea time than most US Navy sailors.
3. After my retirement I went back to collage. With a BA in Sociology in hand I went job hunting - and discovered that not many organizations wanted to hire a 40 year old new college grad with 20 years military experience. I ended up delivering pizza and driving a taxi. I think that worked out pretty well. The pay wasn't as good, but it was a true learning experience.
4. I met and married the most wonderful woman in the world. For 14 years we had wedded bliss - until she died of a very nasty cancer.
5. My life after Sheryl's death. Its not much, and hardly worth relating. When she died so did my pleasure in life.
