I had to opportunity to meet the man and interview him when Chris and I went with Jimmy Lapiana and his betrothed (we hope Jimmy eventually married her; she was a great gal even if we do not remember her name). The man was still alive in those days, and the assignment came when Lapiana and our women were attending the Traver’s Stakes at Saratoga Springs, just north of Albany, NY, in 1976.
Consequently, this column is about what I have learned during the past 82 years. If you will take the time to read this carefully, I promise, despite my current affliction with PLS, you will come away with an enlightened perspective. The subjects covered affect us all.
These are the last words written to me by a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words.
5/13/1976
Dear Bob,
I have learned, finally, that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. I have learned.... that when you're in love, it shows. I have learned.... that just one person saying to me, You have made my day makes my day.
I have learned, finally, that having a grandchild fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. I have learned.... that being kind is more important than being right.
I have learned, finally, that you should never say NO to a gift from a child. I have learned.... that I can always pray for someone when I do not have the strength, or the knowledge, to help him in some other way. I have learned.... that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with sometimes.
I have learned, finally, that all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. I have learned.... that simple walks with my grandfather around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I have learned, finally, that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. I have learned.... that we should be glad God does not give us everything we ask for. I have learned.... that money does not buy class. I have learned.... that it is those small, daily happenings that make life spectacular.
I have learned, finally, that under your hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved. I have learned.... that to ignore the facts does not change them. I have learned.... that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I have learned, finally, that love, not time, heals all wounds. I have learned.... that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am. I have learned.... that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I have learned, finally, that no one is perfect until you fall in love with her.
I have learned, finally, that life is tough, but I am tougher. I have learned.... that opportunities are never lost; someone will grab the ones you miss. I have learned.... that when you harbor bitterness, happiness will untie and dock elsewhere.
I have learned, finally, that I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away. I have learned.... that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them. I have learned.... that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I have learned, finally, that when your newly born granddaughter holds your little finger in her little fist, that you are hooked for life.
I have learned, finally, that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it. I have learned.... that the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
I have learned, finally, that your interview with me should be re-written.
All the best
Andy Rooney


Robert A. Mills @Copyright 2014, with all rights reserved