The Good Life
by: Bob Arba
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Word Count: 726
Simplicity of life! Living a good, simple life is the way that I would describe my adolescent years. During this time of my life, my family lived in a very rural area of Louisiana. Our home was in a quite little community that had one road leading in which was also the only road out. We lived near the end of that road. Across the street were plenty of woods and pipelines that ran though the nearby oilfields. I could lie in my bed at night and listen to the oil wells as they pumped on and on. The “Chug…chug…chug” of the oil wells is one of those childhood memories that I will always cherish.
Our home was not fancy, but it was comfortable. We had an attic fan that we used during the spring and late fall months. I loved to move by bed near the window. I would open my window and lie across my bed and feel the cool breeze being drawn in by the big fan. It felt great, almost like heaven to me. In the morning, the dew that would normally dampen the ground would also be drawn in through the window and the bed covers would be damp. Isn’t it great how we can enjoy such sweet memories of the simpler times?
Our home was only one mile from the school. In the mornings we would ride the bus to school. But in the evenings the school bus would have to make two trips in order to take all of the children home. As it turned out, our trip would always be the second. So since we lived only a mile away, my siblings and I would start walking toward home. About halfway to the house there was also a convenience store. And it was also very convenient for us to stop and get us something cool to drink and some candy or gum, as most kids would do. However, we would never loiter around the store for very long. By the time that we would get home and start up the steps, without fail like clockwork, we would here the school bus coming around the curve just up from our house. We could have waited and rode the bus, but we enjoyed the walk entirely too much to miss it.
Another memory that I cherish about those years was that I as a young boy was able to get close to nature. My dad was cripple and unable to take me hunting or fishing. But every evening and on weekends, I would take my shotgun and walk about through the woods and down the pipelines just roaming and exploring. I didn’t take the gun with the intent to hunt and kill anything; it was more for my protection and peace of mind. I have stepped straddle a rattlesnake a time or two. And I never knew when I might meet a wild animal out there. But mainly, I just enjoyed the peace and quiet times. Usually I would wander along a creek or an old dirt road until I got tired. Then I would find a cool shady spot to sit and just watch nature. I enjoyed watching the breeze blow through the trees. I watched the squirrels and the birds playing nearby. If I stopped near a creek, sometimes I would just sit and watch the fish swimming by. I just enjoyed the opportunity to relish in the simple life.
Life was simple and innocent in those days. In today’s’ modern world as an adult I find myself so busy trying to make a living. I find myself constantly running just trying to balance all the events of the day. These days I hardly ever stop for a moment to reflect. I often wander if my son today is living moments that he can cherish like those that I have cherished? I am thankful for my Jr. high days. Those were the years that I hold dearest to me. I am glad that I learned how to enjoy them and box them up for an occasional refreshing stroll down memory lane.
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About the Author
Bob Arba has written several articles and true stories about life and living. Bob has a passion for writing about the simple things of life. Bob is also currently writing his first novel that is soon to be completed. Bob welcomes you to visit www.Arba.FaithWeb.com or send a comment to Arba2722@yahoo.com
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