Chapter 1

What Doesn't Kill You Will Make You Stronger

The Good 'Ole Days

Lessons for leading a successful life are incorporated in the mind over matter attitude. Doc learned those important lessons, in the 1930s and 40s, living up in Norfolk, Virginia. Now, you might call those years the 'good ole' days.’ Hmmmm...the good ole' days. It brings to mind a conversation I overheard Doc and my uncle having, as they talked about the good ole’ days. The discussion took place in the 1980s.

At my uncle's house, Doc and he were talking in the back of the house. It was the part of the house that overlooks the swimming pool in this suburban Norfolk neighborhood. On this day, they were in the back, telling tales and shooting the breeze about the latest gossip in Norfolk, catching up on who did what and where they went afterward. They were also discussing about the past and what life used to be like, “back in the day.”

Now, Uncle George was not my real uncle for he was Doc’s cousin, not brother. Since he was a lot older than I was, it didn't seem right to call him George, and Mr. Ricks was entirely too formal.

As I eased my way to the bar area where the two men were talking, I tried not to interrupt. The bar had plush, red bar stools that swiveled back and forth when you sat in them. Behind the bar was a red and black mirrored picture. The picture showed a lady in a short skirt with a tray in her hand. The words written on the mirror next to the lady were something like may I serve you a drink?

“You know, we talk about the good ole' days...," George started to say, "but when you really think about them, they really weren't all that good...they were hard times....”

"You are right about that one..." Doc responded. George should have known. He and my father had known each other since their childhood in Norfolk.