WAS I MAD? NO, NOT ME!
by Nick LaRosa

I was born August, 1927 in a small, one-horse town in West Virginia, population 150. As I fondly look back on those times, how great it was for me and many others. Our town was full of life, fun, and love and respect for each other.

My parents came to America from another land; their days were not so great, but they were always full of fun and laughter. They came to America and settled in this one-horse town and made it their home. I never asked them why--why did we end up here? There were no super highways, subways, buses, or airports. And, of course, no television. The only antennas on roofs were lightening rods. What could you do to keep out of your parent's way? For entertainment--no Superbowl or World Series. What did your parents do for entertainment? There were no daytime soaps, talkshows, or Rush Limbaugh! Were we all bored to death? The answer is no! There was plenty of work; mountains to climb; fields to run and play in; and rivers to swim and fish. But, best of all, because of our hometown, friendly atmosphere, you could visit neighbors without having to call first.

My parents were always there for me, and my siblings. We had nothing great; we were one of many poor families during these days of the 20's, 30's, and 40's. There were no handouts, welfare, or food stamps--just hard work and very little pay. But, was I mad? No, not me! I went to school and of course, we walked to school--through rain and wind; and even snow--up to your waist sometimes. There was no school bus to pick you up at the comer. Today, young people cry and moan that they are cold because the car heater isn't putting out enough heat--or they are too hot because the air conditioning is broken or they aren't being entertained because the car radio isn't working. Or--they think their friends will laugh at them if they're seen in the family stationwagon, because it only cost $25,000. Give me a break! After school, kids today get to participate in many extra-curricular activities. In my day, we came straight home, walking down that one-lane road and helped out our parents. Was I mad? No, not me!

As I think back, I don't remember a single spat or harsh word spoken to any of my friends or classmates. Yes, I miss them all; they were my true friends. The question is: was there something wrong with my generation or were we walking around in a daze? Surely, we must have done or said something to someone to anger them. No, we were bigger than that. We would take the arm of a friend, male or female, and talk things out. If one or the other was wrong, it was very easy to say to each other, "I'm sorry to have hurt you." We still respected each other as friends:. We didn't get mad and come back shooting at each other. We laughed, cried, sang, and danced. Yes, I have many fond memories--like when we used to sit around at the Myers home, singing and enjoying hot cocoa and cookies. Those sure were the good days.

Could it be that in this small West Virginia town, that we were all angels? I'd like to say yes, but, of course, we weren't. We still did some crazy things--as all kids sometimes do. One thing we did was put containers of water up against outside doors and then knock on the door and run like hell. Boy, did we laugh it up, when the person opened the door and got an unplanned shower! Eating peaches and oatmeal cookies with Howard and Bud is another good memory I have. How many peaches could Howard and Bud eat? Where we ate them was a secret. How many did we eat? Well, enough to give us a good stomach ache!

Girls. Girls in my day were different than girls today. There were no babies having babies and no school dropouts. Girls looked the same physically as they do today, but girls in my day were smarter, worked harder, had higher morals, better looks, and were happier. But, sometimes, they had the ability to get under a guy's skin! Did I get mad? No, not me!

I now look back to my younger days and try to relate to my children, telling them to be understanding and fair to others who are not as fortunate as they are. It is not easy today for me and my family, as in many families like mine. Today, many children have no family, no home, and no respect for others. It is hard for them to have fun, and there is no looking back like I do, enjoying my younger days through fond memories, and wishing today could be like yesterday.

I didn't say where my small, one-horse West Virginia home town is. You know where it is. It's just like your home town. My home town will remain with me, in my heart and mind forever. Tell your children and grandchildren about your great old days, how happy you were with what you were given and had, and not wanting any more than your parents could afford.

I thank my Mom and Dad for getting; me this far to where I am today--67 years later, and thanking them for settling down in my small, one-horse, West Virginia town. The road for many was not always smooth and easy to travel, but we got to the other side together. I thank my parents, teachers, school friends, and family for lasting memories that are so great. I am never ashamed of who I am, or of my parents, teachers, friends, and where I came from--it was all great. I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to be happy for what I had and the open door to be whatever I wanted to be. But, was I mad? No, not me!