Things I used to do

Two days ago, not knowing it was the 100-year birth anniversary of the late and great Dean Martin, I listened to some of his music on YouTube.  I sometimes do this while at work when taking a pause for my cause to rest and rejuvenate my overworked brain.

The song’s title was “Things”, and 50 years ago Mr. Martin sang it in duet with Nancy Sinatra.  Its lyrics and melody mesmerized me, taking me back to a pleasant memories yesteryear I often like to visit.   

“Ev'ry night I sit here by my window (window)
Starin' at the lonely avenue (avenue)
Watching lovers holdin' hands 'n' laughin' (laughin')
And thinkin' 'bout the things we used to do”

These pleasant memories of the things I used to do danced in my mind’s eye in front of a nostalgic mirror.  They were also, like the song I was listening to, in duet with pleasant dreams of my life not yet lived; things, God willing, I hope to do.

Like being retired after having worked many years in an honorable profession, and now able to breathe and smell the roses without being hurried or preoccupied with work.

Like walking along the beach in Santa Cruz with my wife, “Watching lovers holdin' hands 'n' laughin' and thinkin' 'bout the things we used to do.”

Like being a grandpa and watching my grandsons grow up to be good, honorable and wholesome men; hopefully I’ll be fit and healthy enough to keep up with them. 

These dreams of things I hope to do along with pleasant memories of things I used to do tap-danced in my mind’s eye while Dean and Nancy continued singing, “And thinkin' 'bout the things we used to do.”

Then, the song ended.  My brief mental rest and rejuvenation break had come to an end.  It was time for me to get back to work. 

But not until I snuck in one last quick pleasant memory reflection about the things I used to do.

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum