Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Imagine the world 18 years ago. . .

Eighteen years ago today, my father passed away of a heart attack. My family and I are quite adjusted, so no need for any more sympathy on our behalf; however, I find it quite remarkable that the world has changed so much in 18 years. I'm not talking about me or how my life has changed (although my life has changed tremendously since I was 12), but really how much the world has changed. For example, my father would have had no idea what this whole internet thing was about. If he showed up on Earth today, he would wonder what this www.blogger.com stuff was about, as well as any other website address that is posted on everything from pens to trucks to letterhead, etc. He probably would have never heard of an ipod, a blog, an email address, DVDs, "going green", Osama Bin Laden, Monica Lewinski. He never had a cell phone, a laptop, or the opportunity to see any of the new episodes of Star Wars - not that he probably would have cared - I'm not sure about that one, but still it is interesting that I take all these things for granted as everyday life and part of my jargon - especially my blog, email, and cell phone.

There was no such thing as satellite radio. He did not have a cd player in his car. He did not get to watch Britany Spears go "Oops, I did it again" - in more ways than one. Once again, I'm not sure he would have cared. He couldn't just pick up his cell phone and call home when he got a flat tire - he had to carry a quarter to make a call at the nearest pay phone. There were few SUV's and "SUV" was not a common term back then. There was no Firestone tire episode, no memory of 9/11, no epidemic of crystal methe and having to register to buy sudafed at the store, no reason to leave your pocket knife at home when flying, no such thing as "Homeland Security." It is amazing all the things that have happened since his death. I can't even post a picture of him because I don't have an electronic picture of him. I think the last major thing to happen while he was alive was the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Just think back to what you were doing then and it should put into perspective how much can happen in just 18 years, when really, 18 years just doesn't seem like a very long period of time in the grand scheme of things. But clearly, 18 years is a very long time in the grand scheme of our lives.

So, take a moment today to be thankful that we're here to appreciate all the wonders of our world, good and bad. Take a moment to be thankful that you will see someone you love today. And always remember this, and I quote from someone else's deceased father (may he rest in peace), "Yesterday is a canceled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is the only cash you have - spend it wisely."

All my love to everyone reading, and to you, Dad. We still miss you.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Theresa,
Dad did have a cell phone for a while, but like mine at the time it was like carrying a large cooler with a brick in it. We had to extend the antennae (sp?) and plug it in to the car for it to work as the battery was WEAK!!! The reception was always bad and crackling. Heaven forbid you were in a construction zone because then you would loose all connections. I know I didn't like it but it was a part of the home health job and Dad really was so proud he could say his daughter had a cell phone. It really meant success to him.
It is amazing what has happened in the past 18 years. We are all married, we all have little souls that were not here to meet their Grandpa Tony. It would be so fun to just see his face with all the new gadgets. I really miss him too. I love you - Joan
P.S. Fair's fair - you made me cry too!

Theresa said...

I certainly wasn't trying to make you cry. Plus, I wouldn't actually consider that a cell phone. Wasn't that more like a mobile phone with a backpack attached? Looks like the radio operators out in the middle of Vietnam. Glad you're still reading the blog. Sometimes I wonder if anyone is out there or if I'm just talking to myself - either way is fine.

jkurzy said...
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jkurzy said...
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jkurzy said...

I have tears in my eyes too. We laugh about those cell phones now, but back then it was a big deal for someone to have that big brick phone. Even though you don't have a digital picture of your father, with modern technology you can scan the analog in and convert it to digital. Can you believe that Grandma Sharon just bought a new cell phone with a slide out keyboard???? Can't wait for my first text message from her!!!! OMG LOL

BTW, I look forward to your blog!!! Thanks for sharing.

Mary said...

Hi Theresa,

So - I have to admit I have been remiss in keeping up with the blog - but Mom and I were just talking about Dad yesterday and these very topics when she mentioned I should take a look at this blog.

So here I am and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I was driving to work on Friday thinking about how nice it would be to sit down with Dad now as an adult and just talk with him. I think that it would be really enjoyable and I am missing him in a way I did not expect. Then, on the radio (really my i-pod, but it was random timing anyway), I heard the song My Wish by Rascal Flatts and I felt like it was Dad sending me a message. You should listen to it. The words that really got me were: And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too.

Anyway, I liked the blog and I promise to visit more often.

Love you,
Mary