Reverend Benny & Mister Sid's At Your Service #39

From father to son to grandson -- we all want our values passed onto those who are our descendants, but don't expect them to be transmitted intact.

By Glen Bledsoe

(Salem) - People who I see in the grocery store, those with whom I don't even have a nodding acquaintance, are growing old. Celebrities are growing old, in spite of trainers and plastic surgery. Governor Schwarzenegger's face botoxed into immobility is more distressing than if his face were as wrinkled as Keith Richard.

I am growing old, but I don't think I've lost the spark. I haven't gone soft on the things which I think are important. Not that I've never changed my mind on an issue. Dogma isn't desirable. Someone who never changes their mind is as untrustworthy as someone who changes their mind all the time.

My sons are as fiercely opinionated as I was at their ages. That is a good thing. Opinions will bend and change over time, but the important thing is to not be without opinion. Be passionate about your convictions.

From father to son to grandson -- we all want our values passed onto those who are our descendants, but don't expect them to be transmitted intact. Every one of us deserves the lessons that life gives. Little modifications are what drives the spark and keeps us learning.

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