Best of All Times!!

My mother grew up in Raleigh in the 1940's era surrounded by a group of eight cherished friends. They had deep-rooted friendships and a tightly knit camaraderie. They have enough stored up memories that have stayed embedded in all of their minds for posterity's sake. With a far away look and a happy glow, my mother delights in the retelling of their adventures. These memories have enabled her to draw upon them during the trials of life. It is a time period that one of their friends referred to on a Christmas card as the BOAT period. That means "Best Of All Times!"

They spent their youthful carefree days roller skating on St. Mary's Street. Walking barefoot to the pharmacy for a fountain coke with a squirt of cherry topped off the afternoon. On Saturdays, they would take a ten cent bus ride to downtown Raleigh to catch a double feature at the movie house. During the polio epidemic, anyone under the age of sixteen was not allowed in public, so they spent hours on my mother's screen porch playing cards as they made memories that would last a lifetime.

Unfortunately, serious world events began happening that began with the attack on Pearl Harbor. My mother and her friends joined together in the war cause by collecting scrap iron and tin foil. Because of rationing they went without meat, sugar, gas, etc. They endured scary black outs during air raid periods. These playmates were a support system for each others and they managed to counterbalance the sad times with their own escapades'"hopscotch, kick the can, capture the flag -- and, of course, even more roller skating. They talked about their futures and they believed that they would certainly all be together throughout their lifetimes.

They were such innocent dreams to a group of friends who inevitably would split and go their separate ways after high school and college. Later on, marriages and life situations split them apart even more. A few remained in North Carolina, but the others scattered around in other states. They keep in touch with occasional phone calls and Christmas cards. They had a reunion or two, of course, always picking up where they left off. The desire was certainly there to get together more often. It's interesting how life and its commitments can get in the way of good intentions.

My mother excitedly told me several years ago that one of her friends from BOAT who lives in Illinois had called to say, "I think we girls all need to make sure we get together every year!" And that's exactly what they have been doing. It is a joining together for a weekend of nourishment of the heart, mind and soul. Perhaps, they'll give roller skating a whirl for old time's sake.
I was a little taken aback by the "one last time" aspect. Curiously, I asked my mother, "You mean "one last time" before you die?" The finality of life suddenly threw me into a pensive, speculative state about life and its value. We must take advantage of every moment and cram in BOAT days as often as possible!!

The Final Life Analysis
We don't have all the time in the world. Life is wonderful, but fleeting and fragile. Don't waste any time on fault finding expeditions about life or people. It's wasted energy. If we're fortunate enough to have a period of close friendships and carefree times, enjoy every minute. More importantly, be aware that you are happy. Make the most out of the more difficult times by finding pleasure through your friendships. Let the memories of Best Of All times carry you throughout your lifetime.

Love your friends and family and cherish them with all your heart. Tell them so as often as possible.

Live Just 4 2 Day and you will roller skate your way to the secret of ultimate happiness and BOAT.

Longfellow said it best: "We may build more splendid habitations, fill our rooms with paintings and with sculptures. But we cannot buy with gold the old associations."