GROWING UP IN LOUISA…MIKE’S LAST POST

Growing Up and Older, Too

 I remember the good times, some of the lean times, and many of the happenings of earlier days. Some go back before grade school and others are of upper class days in high school. There are flashes of color as the red and black uniforms appear in a smoky cloud. Abstract shapes and sounds whisk by the screens of my memories stirring pictures of beautiful faces of classmates and friends. 

Alas, time takes its toll and the process haphazardly changes the thread, thus confusing the result. I still see the faces of young people I know from the past that have now grown older. They still have a freshness even among some wrinkles and grey hair. It is the very sum of their personality that breaks through bringing smiles and comfort. These are the faces of earlier times that are merely covered with the scars of life’s experiences. We’ve all have become acquainted with sorrows, disappointments, and injuries. We’ve also seen times of pure joy as life circumstances worked out. We cried out and prayers were sent out, often answered in amazing ways. Memories for me are warm events as if they were quilted by granny as a covering from harm.  

I still love those who traveled with me over the terms of years. A review of the high school annual brings back those days. They are refreshing to our souls and are as if ‘dessert was served.’ Those times that we hardly noticed back then are the prizes we can keep. Walking or sitting with a friend, or perhaps the old gang, gives me a way to enjoy a sense of belonging. In this way we all may cherish the memories of so long ago. 

As the days grow later for me, and are somewhat dimmer, I must decide it is now time for me to retire. I have enjoyed writing this column very much over many years, but honestly find it now somewhat confining and stressful. During this year I finally left my professional work behind to find myself spending much of my time with doctor checkups, and taking on the role of grandfather and great grandfather. I’d like to take a few day trips, pick up some gardening supplies, and maybe paint a picture or two. Time is limited somehow, these days. Perhaps I have slowed down and tire easily.  

I cannot say what the publisher may do in this space, but for me it must end. Friends may continue to send me email. I’d love to stay in touch. Meanwhile, I intend to work on the last chapter of living while there are pages left to write upon. 

Good bye to my readers. Your readership has been appreciated. Thank you! 

mcoburncppo@aol.com   

Here is what Mike wrote to me this week after his surgery…

Mark,

 

Surgery went well and I am recovering. By this last attachment I am giving notice of my intent to stop writing. I truly appreciate your allowing me to send in my stories these several years. I have grown tired and a little stressed. In addition, memories of that time are less forthcoming. Age, I reckon.

 

I would suggest that there are many readers who may wish to write of their memories, thus keeping the “Growing Up” theme alive.

 

Please send any outstanding payments due as my retirement benefit.

 

Thank you for your support and prayers. I will continue to read the Lazer and look forward to seeing you again, whether now or the hereafter. May God continue to bless you, my friend.

EDITORS NOTE:  Mike joined Les Jones about ten years ago with Les writing more about his experiences growing un in “the holler” High Bottom, Mike joined in and write in a totally different style and when Les left we created our ‘Recollections’ section and Mike Coburn has led the way.

I consider him a great writer and a dear friend and I will surely miss posting his memories each week for all these years and especially the notes he sent personally.

I hope someone from the past will step forward and continue the column and the section. But I’m not over losing Mike yet.

Be safe and comfortable and write us a line anytime you feel like it, my old friend. and God Bless You for all you have done or us at the Lazer!