justplainbil

Just Plain Bill

Life experiences through the eyes of a “regular” person –

if there is such a thing

“Just Plain Bill”, a radio and TV soap opera, running from 1932 to 1955, has inspired me to write about my “just plain” experiences, and my name just happens to be Bill. The soap opera has been described as “the real-life story of people just like people we all know.” (Wikipedia)

As I continue to age, I thought it would be cool upon reaching 75, to turn my head and look down the “streets” of ages past, to recognize the passing of time and memories past, people I’ve known and experiences that have stood the test of time, of missed opportunities and events to celebrate.

I remembered some early accomplishments, such as putting a pillowcase on a pillow the fastest in a Sunday school class, and playing the Virgin Mary in the Christmas Nativity scene. Not too macho, eh?

Speaking of macho, I had a love of sports from an early age, but soon found I was not very coordinated, lacked basic skills, and was the smallest boy in class.

Regardless of my lack of talent, I enjoyed the camaraderie and team spirit, and a look back shows a somewhat sparse record:

• Played one competitive game of baseball at 13, one competitive basketball game at 14
• Wrestled one match in high school, broke my arm, which didn’t heal straight - been crooked ever since
• Played a few minutes in 4 junior varsity football games, as a 5’ 5”, 120 pound 3^rd string quarterback - after the game was either already won or lost
• Many years as manager/water boy/batboy of high school football team, wrestling team and baseball team (loved getting out of school early on game days)

After doing some growing up with three years in the Marine Corps, I finally realized some athletic success as a young man:

• Coached flag football (league champions), high school wrestling (JV champions), 7 year old’s basketball team, coached tumbling team
• University conference wrestling champion, team captain, most valuable wrestler, and president of athletic society

Reminds me of my favorite book as an elementary school teacher, Leo the Late Bloomer, as I continue to have experiences a little “later” than I might have – and although I’m definitely a senior, those “Late Bloomer” experiences will continue.