In Celebration of the Codger

The Fat Man is Coming! In other words, Christmas is just around the corner and Santa Claus is coming to town. You would think after all these years; he might be sick of the routine and would get a little crabby. But somehow and someway, the old guy keeps coming and always maintains a smile. I haven’t actually seen him and I don’t know if he really is jolly, but I will believe and keep the legend rolling. But, that is another story for a different day. Speaking of the old guy in the red suit, that brings me to my point.

This month, I am pondering all “old guys” (and gals, but you don’t refer them as old, but rather selectively seasoned) and just what they mean to us. This is particularly poignant to me because I am one of them. I don’t like to admit it, but it is true. If you young whippersnappers will look very closely at our club and community, you will notice something very distinct. Generally speaking (meaning most of the time this is true, but not one hundred percent universally true), the seniors are doing most of the work. They are on the board, they are teaching the classes, they attend the conservation meetings, and on and on. We need to be very appreciative and tell them thanks for all the hard work.

Now, I must admit, we old guys can be cranky sometimes. We can be hard headed, ornery, stubborn, rude, eccentric, and the list goes on. Bottom line – we don’t mean nothing by it. It just kind of works out that way. I remember years ago when my grandfather was in his last days and I went to see him just before he passed. He was a tremendous outdoorsman – a fisherman and a bird hunter and was passionate about conservation. He was not feeling well toward the end and was really quite crabby. He expressed tremendous regret to me about his disposition and I was sympathetic due to his condition. I told him that he had lived an amazing life of integrity and generosity and service to others and that the accumulation of his good deeds far outweighed anything that he was suffering through at the end. And that is how it is and will be. He was an inspiration to many and still is.

My point – you old codgers (term used affectionately) have earned the right to be like that. Some of us may not like it, but we have to put it in perspective. They have fought the wars – WW2, Korea, and Viet Nam – that have provided us freedom. They have built the country that gives us so much back. We have streams and lakes to fish because they have fought hard for it. They have worked hard and saved for retirement. They have raised children, grandchildren, and in some cases great grandchildren. They volunteer lots and lots of their time for all of our benefit. They don’t have to, but they do. Are they perfect? No. Have they made a difference? Yes. Should we love them? Absolutely…in spite of themselves.

So, here’s to you Mr. Think I am Always Right, Do As I Damnwellplease, Wear Weird Clothes and Doesn’t Care Guy. Let’s crack open an ice cold Bud Light (or whatever your choice of adult beverage is). Thanks for everything! Keep up the great work. Happy Holidays…The Fat Man is Coming and let’s hope he’s jolly this year. And, if he’s not, let’s still embrace him.

You think about that. TL