To the Band of Brothers: February 21, 2023

I realize every day, I’m getting older. It’s not really big things that jump out at me to indicate my age, but little things that seem to creep up occasionally that gently remind me I am not the same man I was years ago. It’s funny because there was a time I was convinced I would not get old, that I would not lose touch with my youth. I mean, I always knew I would grow old, but I never thought the impact of old age would affect me. My hair hasn’t grayed or jumped off of my scalp and into the sink, my back doesn’t hurt, my knees don’t creak, and I’m actually playing the best golf of my life.

 

Where I do notice it is in other ways. For example, I was convinced at one point I would never lose touch with the younger generation. I lost that battle a long time ago. While I try very hard to stay on top of things, I realize I simply can’t keep it up. It moves too fast. That train not only passed me by a long time ago but it’s also made several trips. I swore I would never compare this new generation with mine, but I do it all the time. I catch myself saying, “When I was your age…” then you can fill in the blank. And to make matters worse, do I think my generation was better… absolutely. The music was better, the food was greater, the sun shone brighter, and even the stars twinkled more vibrantly.

 

I also think my hard drive is not only full, but the processor is simply not working at the same speed it did years ago. So often, I see people I know I should know but can’t for the life of me remember who they are. They speak to me like we are the closest of friends, convinced I remember every interaction we may have had in the past, and I really struggle within to figure out who the heck they are. This happens so often that as a self-defense mechanism, I have perfected the art of making sure they think I do know when in reality, I am somewhat oblivious.

 

Not long ago, I was on my way to a baptism or a wedding or a house blessing (of course, I can’t remember) and had to stop at the Best Buy on Kendall. I admit I was in a bit of a rush which doesn’t help my ability to recognize anyone. I quickly found a parking space and got out of my car. I walked into the store, and sure enough, as soon as I got through the door, a young man approached me and said hello. I broke out into my automatic routine of saying hello, hugging him and asking him how he was, where he was studying, how his family was doing, and even taking the calculated risk of asking when was the last time he went by Belen (I figure most of the people I know are associated with our school).

 

I thought it had gone pretty well, and I had managed to convince the poor guy I remembered him and was happy to see him again. As soon as it was over, I went on my way to get what I needed to buy and walked over to the cash register to pay. As I stood in line, I looked over at the door and noticed the same young man dressed in a blue shirt. It was then I realized he was the Best Buy greeter. He literally says hello to everyone. I was so embarrassed when I realized he was just doing his job before I took him into my arms and grilled him with a thousand questions. That was pretty embarrassing. I quickly paid for my item and snuck out without being seen.

 

I don’t know which wise sage said it, but my favorite line nowadays is, “it is what it is.” At least, I hope that in my old age, I am a little bit wiser, more patient, and compassionate. Others may think differently, but there has to be some recompense for 53 years of life and experience. I will tell you one thing for sure, my faith is stronger, and my relationship with Jesus is deeper. My conviction as a Catholic has only gotten stronger, and my passion for my priesthood and the desire to share the faith is at the highest level it has ever been. Ultimately, this is what truly matters. This, I will always remember.