Reflections From My Past

I have been thinking a lot lately about the past and how much I loved it—especially the 80s. I keep going back and trying to figure out what it is about the 80s that I miss so much. I think it is a number of things.

Nostalgic musical memories of the 80s

That’s probably the top on my list. Music from the 80s music was the best decade of music to me, but of course, everyone probably thinks that of the teenage years that they grew up.

I liked just about every genre back then. Pop, rock, soft rock, rap, and even though I didn’t like it back then, or at least admit to liking it, I liked country. Each style made me feel a different way.

I can still hear a song and relate it to something that happened back then. Those are such glorious memories.

When I hear Bon Jovi, it reminds me of my good friend, Tammy. She was like a sister to me.

When I hear Boston, it reminds me of my neighborhood friends we would just sit together, listen to music, and talk for hours. It didn’t have to be about anything. It was just being together.

When I hear Metallica or Guns 'N Roses, it reminds me of all of my Illinois family that I visited in the summer. When I hear Prince, it reminds me of babysitting and watching the movie Purple Rain. I could go on and on.

The carefree days

Being in the age range of 10 to 20 in the 80s was a great time to be alive. To be young again and get to do the things that we did back then without hardly a care in the world.

We were able to play at the park by ourselves or at a friend's all day as long as we were home by the time the street lights were on.

I never let my kids do this, and I don't let my grandkids now. It was a different time, for sure. It was a different time when we didn’t have to worry about things like we do now.

Having no worries in the world

Being a kid or teenager with no cares in the world. I had no responsibilities except keeping my room clean, doing my homework, and doing some chores. As I got older, I worked and got to spend my money on anything that I wanted, like clothes, entertainment, cigarettes (I wish I had never bought those), cassette tapes, or boom boxes.

Those were also the days when I could run, play sports, go rollerskating, or swimming every weekend. I could do almost anything without the pain of arthritis or shortness of breath from COPD stopping me.

I had muscles, stamina, great skin, and hair. It’s hard to remember now what those days were like.

As much as I miss those days and miss doing some of those things that I’m not able to do anymore, I wouldn’t want to go back. Maybe, just for a day, but not to stay there.

If I did, I wouldn’t have my caring husband and five beautiful kids. Three are mine by blood, and two married into the family. I also have five beautiful grandkids.

I also wouldn’t have met so many COPD and Alpha-1 friends who have become family to me. Having Alpha-1 has given me so many bad things, including unhealthy lungs, liver, and heart, but it has given me so much more like having those Alpha-1 and COPD friends.

I have been able to travel to many states for Alpha-1 conferences and education days, as well as different COPD study groups. These are things that I would have never been able to do without. I also would not know how precious every day is. It makes you change your perspective when you are not sure what tomorrow may bring.

Do you ever reflect on the past? If so, what were your favorite or most memorable times? Please share with us in the comments below.