The plans of having a Fifty Year Reunion for the class of 1964 are in the infancy stages. There is a growing interest that is shown in an email trail from the alumni of 1964 that can be seen by going to Memory Lane. Because no one in that class has a master list of emails sorta reduces an effort at reaching many who would be interested in a reunion but have not been contacted. It is very important that "y'all" and I mean everyone, not just the class of 1964, please forward email addresses that you know for that class to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This one facet can make or break the success for the class of 1964. Your help is solicited!!!  See the Memory Lane Page for more info.

Buffalo Bob Casale

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Hicksville Vietnam War Era Memorial - PROJECT UPDATE

One new name was added in March for a new total of 1,882 names on the Confirmed List.  Unfortunately, no progress was made during the month on the Unconfirmed List of Names and we would certainly appreciate the help of as many readers as possible to verify whether or not the 186 people on this list qualify to be included in the Memorial.

As previously announced, Reserve and National Guard members are now part of the Memorial, provided they served during the Vietnam War Era and meet all other qualification requirements.  We have already added a good number of these names to the Confirmed List, but if you previously submitted your name, or the name of a friend, who under the old rules was turned down and do not currently see that name on the Confirmed List, please help us by resubmitting it to me for reconsideration.

Good work by members of the Project Team decided to show all qualified names on the final Memorial plaques by class year, along with the rest of the data now appearing on the Confirmed List.  We are also testing a laser bonding on stainless steel method for weather durability as it may provide an excellent appearance at a lower cost than traditional cast bronze.

To see the complete report on the Memorial's progress, please see this month's update by clicking on the Honoring Our Veterans pageof this newsletter.  Clicking on the two links near the bottom of the update will bring you to the complete Confirmed and Unconfirmed Lists of Names as of the end of January.

Last, I want to take this opportunity to announce that my wife, Sharon and I will move from North Carolina to Lakewood Ranch, Florida (near Sarasota) effective April 17^th.  My usual email address will be cancelled and my new email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Effective immediately, please send any updates or new information for the Memorial Project to me at the new email address.

On behalf of the Project Team,
Joe Carfora, HHS '62

The Newsletter

Photo Gallery

 I can only send this to people a certain age, since today's people don't have any idea who many of these men were and that's a pity.

Sterling Hayden 

 Sterling Hayden US Marines and OSS . Smuggled guns into Yugoslavia and parachuted into Croatia. 

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James Stewart

US Army Air Corps. Bomber pilot who rose to the rank of General. 

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Ernest Borgnine

US Navy. Gunners Mate 1c, destroyer USS Lamberton. 

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Telly Savalas

US Army. 

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Walter Matthau

US Army Air Corps., B-24 Radioman/Gunner and cryptographer. 

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Steve Forrest

US Army. Wounded, Battle of the Bulge. 

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Jonathan Winters

USMC. Battleship USS Wisconsin and Carrier USS Bon Homme Richard. Anti-aircraft gunner, Battle of Okinawa. 

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Paul Newman

US Navy Rear seat gunner/radioman, torpedo bombers of USS Bunker Hill.

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Kirk Douglas

US Navy. Sub-chaser in the Pacific. Wounded in action and medically discharged.

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Robert Mitchum

US Army.

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Henry Fonda

US Navy. Destroyer USS Satterlee.

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Lee Marvin

US Marines. Sniper. Wounded in action on Saipan . Buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Sec. 7A next to Greg Boyington and Joe Louis.

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Art Carney

US Army. Wounded on Normandy beach, D-Day. Limped for the rest of his life.

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Tony Curtis

US Navy. Sub tender USS Proteus. In Tokyo Bay for the surrender of Japan.

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Charlton Heston

US Army Air Corps. Radio operator and aerial gunner on a B-25, Aleutians.

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Gene Autry

US Army Air Corps. Crewman on transports that ferried supplies over "The Hump" in the China-Burma-India Theater.

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Rock Hudson

US Navy. Aircraft mechanic, the Philippines.

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Don Rickles

US Navy aboard USS Cyrene.

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Cark Gable

US Army Air Corps. B-17 gunner over Europe.

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Charles Bronson

US Army Air Corps. B-29 gunner, wounded in action.

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Ronald Reagan

US Army. Was a 2nd Lt. in the Cavalry Reserves before the war. His poor eyesight kept him from being sent overseas with his unit when war came so he transferred to the Army Air Corps Public Relations Unit where he served for the duration.

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John Wayne

Declared "4F medically unfit" due to pre-existing injuries, he nonetheless attempted to volunteer three times (Army, Navy and Film Corps.) so he gets honorable mention.

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Audie Murphy

America's most-decorated soldier, who became a Hollywood star as a result of his US Army service that included his being awarded the Medal of Honor.

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Would someone please remind me again how many of today's Hollywood elite put their careers on hold to enlist in Iraq or Afghanistan?

The only one who even comes close was Pat Tillman, who turned down a contract offer of $3.6 million over three years from the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the US Army after September 11, 2001 and serve as a Ranger in Afghanistan, where he died in 2004.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit to you that this is not the America today that it was seventy years ago. And I, for one, am saddened.

 

 

 

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Honoring our Veterans

A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside. "Your son is here," she said to the old man.  She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.

Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent.  He reached out his hand.  The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement. The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed.  All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength.  Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile.  He refused.

Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients.  Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words.  The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died.  The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.

Finally, she returned.  She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her, "Who was that man?" he asked.

The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered.

"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life."

"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here.  When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, I knew how much he needed me.  I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey.  His son was killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him.  What was this gentleman's name?"

The nurse with tears in her eyes answered, "Mr. William Grey ..."

The next time someone needs you ... just be there.  Stay.

This story is fiction at its best.  Considering the wonderful people in our military, I can envision the same result as being true rather than ficticious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memory Lane

Class of 1964 Fifty Year Reunion

Dear Class of 1964,

Many have said they would be interested in a Fifty Year Reunion. Maureen Uss created a page on Facebook asking who was interested but has not had much response. This note from me is to ask who would be interested in a reunion? Who would be interested in forming a committee and serving on such a committee? Because of the internet, it doesn't really matter where you live. Anyone who can communicate is a candidate.

Most Important...if you are in touch with other 1964 classmates, please send me a list of their email addresses. Unfortunately the note I sent out yesterday had 15 emails thrown back as not valid. Please help me expand the email list for the class of 1964.

• When should the reunion be held?
• Where should the reunion be held (location)?
• What should it include??? Sit down dinner??? Buffet??? Open Bar???
• And anything else that might be relevant to a reunion.

Please send a note back to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I will act as a temporary contact.

Below is a list of notes I've received from other classmates...

Thanks

buffalo bob casale

This is what has been compiled so far for the Class of 1964 Fifty Year reunion. Please give me some additional feedback. Who wants to be the Chairperson that will coordinate the Reunion Committee?

(see the following note...)

Buffalo Bob Casale 

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Added on Monday 24 March 2014

If no one else wants to volunteer, I'm willing to be chairperson of reunion committee.

Sincerely,
John Maniec, 917-750-7842, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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I'd (Buffalo Bob Casale) like to do a presentation for the class of 1964. Please look through your photo albums and find me some pictures of when you were attending Hicksville High. Especially neat would be pictures from your sophomore hop, junior prom, senior ball, sox hops, parties you attended with friends, the Senior Trip, school functions, plays, musicals, sports, the innish dance, Sadie Hawkins day and any other photos that would highlight that special time of your lives. Send them to me electronically if you can. If you need to send via snail mail, I can give you my address and I guarantee to return them as soon as I get them scanned.

I would like to open a website for your reunion but don't want to jump the gun. Check out the following that we set up for the class of 1963...

http://63.hixreunion.com/

Also what would be neat is to fill out a sorta biographical sketch that consists of a form with questions about you. For example...

Where do you currently live?

Known In Hicksville High as...

Spouse/Partner...

Were you classmates at HHS?

Where did you meet?

How long ago?

Married How Long?

 

Date Married:

Children (names)

 

Grandchildren (names)

Occupation/Trade/Profession:

Education Beyond High School :

Military Service:

Hobbies/Pastimes:

Now, the hard one. Tell us what we need to know. Give us 50 years in the space below:

Finally, if you had to do it all over again, I would...

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Those who said they would help with the Reunion Committee.

Maureen Uss

John Maniec

Claire Gross Ceravino said would help if push came to shove

Roy Eismann (but not until June)

Harvey Goldstein

Peggy Maier

Judy Marcus

Those who said they would attend.

Gerard "Gerri" Alfano

Dr. Arlene Cain (Depends on when)

Claire Gross Ceravino and John Ceravino

Deborah Clinton

Gerry Dizzino (depends on professional commitments).

Roy Eismann

Arnie Fox

June Fyfe (I would be interested if it is held near an airport and held in the summer so we don't have to deal with snow, ice, etc. )

Harvey Goldstein

Arnie Gould

Charlie Henningsen

Bob Karen

Lorraine Kirwin

Tom Larkin

Peggy Maier

John Maniec

Judy Marcus

Judy Obrist

Paulette Paul

Steve Schaiman

Larry Senn

Jesse Treu

Maureen Uss

Mike Wallach

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There is a 50 year reunion page on Facebook. I will invite you to the page.

Donna Alu 1964

Donna

Please do. Would you attend a 50 year reunion??? I went to mine and so glad I did. Lost two more alumni after the reunion.

Thanks

buffalo bob casale

Hi Guys,

I was just taking with my brother (Jack Gould, 1960), and he asked if I had heard anything about a 50th reunion for the class of 1964. I said, "No", but that I would check in the latest HixNews newsletter. Unfortunately there was nothing there to report. He had a great time at his 50th, and I was hoping that there might be one for my class. Any word out there about one?

Thanks,

Arnie Gould

Class of 1964

Arnie

We've had no information from anyone in your class about a reunion.

I'm posting your note and we can see if anyone responds

bob

A follow up note by Arnie...

Dear Bob,
Since I am one of the people who asked you about the existence of a reunion for the class of 1964, I am obviously interested in attending one. Unfortunately, I have not been very good a keeping in touch with my classmates. One is Joe Hill in the Atlanta region. I may have a conflict myself, and despite the lack of an obvious reason, I would prefer to have any reunion sooner rather than later - maybe mid- September. I live in the Boston area with my wife - 2 grown kids also live up here. I would think that any reunion should be near an airport for those coming from far away, and a long pre-buffet - appetizers - with a table-hopping dinner would be great. Maybe just appetizers so we could circulate at will. I have not found any of the mentioned Facebook pages yet - I will keep on trying. This could be fun.
Best regards,
Arnie

p.s... just found another 1964 classmate...Jeff Altman Last I knew he lived in Albany, NY.

Dear Bob

Don't know about Gail. I was also wondering if anything was going on for our 50th reunion? I created a page on Facebook to see if we could get something going. Me and a few of my friends organized and put together our 10th reunion. So, 40 years later with people being all over and not really knowing what to do. Any suggestions? Thanks. Hope all is well with you and your family.

Maureen Uss Bensen 1964

Have you seen this Facebook page: 50TH REUNION CLASS OF 64 ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING?

Mike Wallach 1964

Follow up from Mike on the 24^th of March... Buffalo Bob- Thanks for the response and in answer to your questions-- It doesn't matter to me where or when nor the format. I will get on a plane and fly a few hours to get there. I won't be of much use in arranging anything but should a reunion come about, I will attend.

Bob, I don't know the whereabouts of Gail Schaal. As far as our fiftieth reunion I can't help with that either. The last reunion I recall was in 1989 which was our 25th. Guess we haven't done a very good job staying in touch. John Ciarelli was our class president. Sorry I can't be much help.

Peace!

Santo Carfora 1964

I'm very sorry however I do not have any information about Gail. There are several Gail Schalls on Facebook. I have not heard of any plans for a 50 year reunion, I would be interested if you hear anything.

Deborah Clinton-Eden 1964

Deborah...thanks for mentioning the reunion issue. I'd be interested in knowing of any plans, as well.

Bob Karen 1964

Buffalo Bob
Although I have no information re: Gail Schaal, I would very much like to hear if there might be a 50th reunion for the 1964 class of which I was one. If there is one I will attend.

After graduation I attended and graduated from the Univ. of Colorado (The Buffalos) and then kept going west where I graduated from the Univ. of Calif. Hastings College of Law in 1971 and have been a criminal defense lawyer in San Mateo County (just south of San Francisco) ever since.

I am married (my wife is an RN) with 2 kids and a couple of grandchildren and very much enjoy northern California. I live in San Carlos and still play ice hockey, work part time, and keep busy. Henry Lichtenstein was a classmate of my brother's (Jed Schaiman 1959) and I remember him as tall and quite thin. I would hop on a plane and get back to Hicksville in a flash if a reunion was taking place.

I appreciate all the work you and others do to keep us informed via the newsletter!!!!!

Thanks,

Steve Schaiman '64

Buffalo Bob- Thanks for the response and in answer to your questions...it doesn't matter to me where or when nor the format. I will get on a plane and fly a few hours to get there. I won't be of much use in arranging anything but should a reunion come about, I will attend.

Follow up from Steve on 23 March 2014...

Buffalo Bob, Since I have been back to Hicksville about twice in 50 years, (I have lived in Northern California since 1968) I would probably not be helpful in helping with the logistics of a re-union as many of the places I remembered no longer exist!!

I think Larry Senn who remained in New York, would be a fountain of information as to email addresses for many classmates, including Rob Roehrig, Joan Lawlor (Rob's wife) and Rick Cierski, the latter of whom would still be the life of the party.

Sorry to hear about Jeff Altman who was one of the smartest and likeable people in our class! I have not kept up with classmates due in large part to my being on the left coast all these years.

I'd love to attend a 50 year reunion for Hix High 1964

Peggy Maier 1964

PS...I don't know where Gail is at this time. I think the reunion could be in October, on Long Island somewhere with open bar & buffet. I would be interested in being "part" of a committee not running the whole show. Let me know where and who to begin with. I just joined Facebook so I can look for Maureen Uss

Bob and my 1964 Classmates

I'm willing to help organize that reunion. Would be nice to have some help so hope others respond as well.

John Maniec 1964

Hi Bob,

Both my husband and I graduated in '64 and would be interested in attending a reunion. I was sort of invisible in high school and don't know how many people would remember me, but I do remember quite a few of the people I went to elementary school with at Old Country Rd. School,

as we moved as a class and spent 6 years together. In fact, another grad, Sid Weiss, was instrumental in my husband and me getting together. I would try to help if needed.

Claire (Claramae Gross) Ceravino 1964 & John Ceravino 1964

Bob & I would like to plan to attend. We live 40 miles north of San Antonio, TX. Maureen Uss Benson and Bette Harrison Germain try to get mini-reunions for lunch when we drive up.

Thanks for all you do to keep us informed.

Lorraine Kirwan Cheeseman 1964

Hi Bob,
I am a graduate of the HHS class of '64 and would be interested in a reunion event. Like many others, I am busier in retirement than when I was working so I cannot offer to contribute. Just add me to the list of those interested in attending any sort of activity. Thanks for all the work you and your staff do to keep us connected to Hicksville HS.

Arnie Fox '64

Hi Bob,

I'm interested in helping out but not until June when my time is more available. Also, I'm not a Facebook user so if that is the only means to find people, you may miss some, or a lot!!!

Give me a head up...

Regards

Roy Eismann

Dear Bob,

Where did 50 Years go !? Your email got forwarded to me. Here's my email address -- I'd enjoy hearing about plans for a Reunion.

Jesse Treu 1964

Does anyone have an email address for the following classmates???

Gerard O'Brien * Donald Werkstell * Sandy Klausing * Mary Haas

Thanks

Buffalo Bob Casale

Bob

Arnie mentions Jeff Altman. He was a gynecologist, living in Albany, NY. He died of colon cancer last year.
Jesse Treu

Bob

Jeff Altman passed away about a year and a half ago. He had been living in Albany. Please pass on to others. Thanks.

Harvey Landress 1964

Seminole, FL

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Jeffrey Altman Class of 1964

Altman, Jeffrey, M.D. GLENMONT Dr. Jeffrey Altman, 65, of Glenmont, an obstetrician, an avid and accomplished musician and photographer, and a devoted husband and father, died November 5, 2012 at St. Peter's Hospice after a long illness. Dr. Altman was born in New York City to the late Murray and Frances Altman. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen McCann; his three daughters, Abigail (Antoine Canonne) of Paris, France, Sarah (Eric Sloat) of Troy and Cassandra (Chad Caplan) of Albany; his son, Gabriel, of Gainesville, Florida; and his sister, Judith Davis, of Maui, Hawaii. He was predeceased by his stepmother, Barbara, and his siblings, Robert and Jill. Dr. Altman attended Hicksville High School, graduated from the NYU Film School, and received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Albany Medical College in 1983. He specialized in obstetric medicine and served at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany Medical Center, and the Whitney Young Health Center in Albany. He was well known as a sole practitioner, with a patient-centered philosophy that challenged more traditional practices. Jeff was a tinkerer and hobbyist who relished each new project. He played saxophone professionally in New York City and Albany with several bands and jazz groups. Most recently he returned to his original artistic passion, and was recognized as a skilled and creative photographer, winning several honors in regional shows. One of his greatest joys was sharing his photographs of family and friends. He was an excellent golfer and cyclist. Being a lifelong Mets fan contributed to his already sardonic sense of humor. In his medical practice and in all of his many other interests, Dr. Altman made hundreds of long-lasting friends who benefited from his care, compassion and insight and who shared his enthusiasm and joy in a creative life. The family wishes to thank friends, colleagues, and patients who expressed their warmest wishes during Jeff's illness, and St. Peter's Hospice for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jeff's memory may make a Thanksgiving donation in his name to Capital City Rescue Mission capitalcityrescuemission.com A memorial service will be held at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany, on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 11a.m. Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to visit with the family at the chapel on Thursday commencing at 9:30 a.m. and all are welcome to remain for the memorial service. For directions or to sign the online guestbook, please visit, www.levinememorialchapel.com

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Bob

I, too, would attend if at all possible. That would depend on when it is held and my teaching/research responsibilities here at The University of Texas at San Antonio. I've talked with a few other friends from the Class of 64, and some indicated the same willingness to attend if possible. I will let them respond to you individually. Unfortunately, given my full-time work and family responsibilities here in San Antonio, I can't help organize...thanks, though, for getting this started.

Gerry Dizzino 1964

Dear Bob,

Thank you so very much for your efforts on behalf of our Hicksville Class of 64. Joe Platt and Mark Seybert recently contacted me regarding our 50 year reunion. I will share your emails with them. I would like to help in some way with the planning. I look forward to reconnecting to our friends and classmates.

As Sam Goldberg always reminded us "Tempus Fugit"

Regards,

Harvey Goldstein 1964

A note from

Neil Barrocas...

Werkstell is on Facebook

Bob...

September would be good for me as well. I agree a long buffet and appetizers would work well. Other clicking begins etc....I've stayed touch with just a few and mostly old neighborhood and church youth group friends.

Tom Larkin 1964

Port Hueneme, CA.

I would be interested if it is held near an airport and held in the summer so we don't have to deal with snow, ice, etc. Should be very interesting...would there be a chance of a multi year reunion like last time? 62-65?

June Fyfe Gatten 1964

Dear Bob,

Keep me informed what is going on. I still live near Hicksville. I would be happy to attend a 50 years reunion.

Thanks

Gerard "Gerry" Alfani, 1964

Bob

I agree that Facebook may not be a great vehicle for contacting the class of 64...considering that there were over 800 of us it would be great to have some sort of reunion...but Pam Baker's attempt at forming a multi class reunion died the quick death of apathy...I too would be interested in attending but I have no contact with any of my class of 64 classmates...we had a reunion in 1989 that was well attended...hopefully one this year will get a good response

Larry Senn 1964

Follow up note from Larry on 23 March 2014...Bob, you might want to touch base with Pam Baker (65) who tried organizing a multi class reunion...as I recall she had a list of several people from class of 64 who were interested in a reunion and they are not on the current list of people that you just sent to me. Hopefully Pam has their contact info...please keep me on your list of people that can receive updates on the possible reunion...as always...thank you for the outstanding efforts you put forth on our behalf...YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

Buffalo Bob

I saw Sandy Klausing on Classmates or Facebook...it was a while ago.

Linda Gund Agers 1964

p.s. had a note back from Sandy Klausing Smith...thanks for the information.

Bob,

I can find nothing on Classmates or Hix News concerning a class reunion. Do you have any information.

Thanks

Judy Obrist 1960

I received an email requesting my email address for any interest in a 50th class reunion.

Please forward this email to Maureen Uss. I would be interested in attending a reunion.

Thank you...p.s. I would like to attend a reunion but will not be able to serve on a committee. I think a fair weather date would encourage more participation.

Thank you for helping with the alumni search.

Paulette Paul Murphy 1964

THANK YOU SO MUCH BOB.. I WILL KEEP IN TOUCH.. I GUESS YOU GOT MY

EMAIL ABOUT BILLY LOMNICKI'S WIFE.. DOES NOT END THERE. HIS DAUGHTER'S

FIANCE DIED OF A MASSIVE HEART ATTACK.. 2 DAYS AGO.. A DAY AFTER

NANCY'S SERVICE.. HOW MUCH CAN A FAMILY TAKE.. I FEEL SO BAD AND I AM

NOT EVEN THERE FOR THEM. ONE THING I KNOW WE HAVE TO ENJOY LIFE..

YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY AND SAY HELLO TO MR TED FOR ME.. MAUREEN USS

BENSEN.. AKA MOE

Bob,
Depending on when I would be interested in attending.

Dr. Arlene B. Cain Goodman

Buffalo Bob,

Thanks for the updates on the interest in a Class of '64 reunion. I now live in West Point, Virginia, where I retired in November 2012 after serving for more than 40 years as a Protestant clergyman. I keep busy these days with writing (working on my third book) and riding around on fire trucks as

Chaplain of our local volunteer fire department. My wife, Carolyn, and I have been married 45 years and have two daughters and four grandchildren. I still keep in touch fairly regularly with classmates Ron Wencer (in Toronto), Rich Garcia (in Boston), Maureen Uss Benson (Long Island and Florida), and Dolores Radov Murphy (not far from us in Virginia). I regret to report that our classmate Steve O'Brien succumbed to a stroke just a few weeks ago. I'm curious to learn where my classmates' paths have led them over the past fifty years and hope we can have an opportunity to share our stories--if not in person, at least in a forum such as HixNews.

Bill Palmer

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Hi Bob:

Depending on the time of year, I have interest in attending a Class of '64 reunion. Would you please pass along my e-address to the planning committee.

Thanks,

Charlie Henningsen 1964

Dear Bob

Yes, I am interested in a 50 year reunion and would be willing to help out.

Add me to the list!

Judy Marcus 1964

Casale's Corner

GOOD ONE! THOUGHT I WOULD KEEP THE BIG LETTERS GOING!

Kathy Koziuk Hannaman 1960

THE  MORE YOU READ THE FUNNIER IT GETS......COULDN'T DECIDE WHETHER TO LAUGH OR  CRY.

 

$5.37! That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me. I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher.

Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change when the kid with the Elmo hairdo said the hardest thing anyone has ever said to me.  He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount."

I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68" he said Cheerfully.

I stood there stupefied. I am 56, not even 60 yet?  A mere child!  Senior citizen?

I took my burrito and walked out to the truck wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind?

As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil.  Old? Me? I'll show him, I thought. 

I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, and there he was waiting with a smile.

Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, like I could be that easily distracted!  What am I now? A toddler? "Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, eh?" 

I stared with utter disdain at the keys.  I began to rationalize in my mind! "Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly! It could happen to anyone!"

I turned and headed back to the truck. I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now? I checked my keys and tried another. 

Still nothing. That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror.

Then, a few other objects came into focus: The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten doughnut on the dashboard.

Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle.

Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. 

That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger!

My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito,  only it was nowhere to be found. I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, and strode back into the restaurant one final time. There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish.

All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?" All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here"?

At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, and then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits.
Elmo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention. He was holding up a drink and a bag.

His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake."

I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized.

She offered these kind words: "It's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this all the time."

All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40 mph zone. Yessss, I was racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius. 

And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast.

As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. 

I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blankie.

The good news was that I had successfully found my way home.

Pass this on to the other "old fogies" on your list (so they can have fun laughing, too).Notice the larger type? That's for those of us who have trouble reading.

P.S. Save the earth...... It's the only planet with chocolate !!!!!