Things I Used to Know

I used to know that the Christmas season started after Thanksgiving.

I used to know that Thanksgiving was not “Turkey Day” or a day for football.

I used to know that Sunday morning service began at ten o’clock wherever I was in the country.

I used to know what pages of the hymnal “The OId Rugged Cross” and “When We All Get to Heaven” were on.

I used to know how long a man’s hair should grow before he went to the barber shop.

I used to know that getting dressed up for church meant a coat and tie for men and a modest dress for ladies.

I used to know that “platform standards” applied to everyone in the church.

I used to know that marriage came before children.

I used to know that tattoos were only for military men or motorcycle gangs and that they were put on the upper arm and usually hidden from sight.

I used to know that the school day began with prayer and the pledge of allegiance.

I used to know that the whole family ate supper together.

I used to know that a man shaved when the five o’clock shadow got too dark.

I used to know that food and drink were not allowed in the sanctuary.

I used to know that mothers took their babies out of the service when they started to cry.

I used to know how to add up a column of numbers get the only right answer that there could be.

I used to know that chaperones always accompanied teenagers on dates.

I used to know that people could say anything in public as long as it wasn’t vulgar or dangerous.

I used to know that people who disagreed with you couldn’t stop you from expressing your opinion.

I used to know that men always opened doors for ladies.

I used to know that parents could actually discipline their children without interference from the state.

I used to know that preachers could talk about hell and scare people to death, yet no one was offended.

I used to know that there were certain subjects you didn’t discuss in mixed company.

I used to know that lying was wrong regardless of the situation.

I used to know that faith was respected in schools and colleges.

I used to know that boys’ clothes were different from girls’ clothes.

I used to know that boys played with toy cars and toy pistols.

I used to know that girls played with dolls and jump ropes.

I used to know that teachers reinforced the same moral standards that the kids were taught at home.

I used to know that doctors were forbidden to assist in an abortion.

I used to know that office-holders were statesman and not just politicians.

I used to know that a high school graduate earned his or her diploma with passing grades.

I used to know that there was only one vote per person.

I used to know that you could fly the American flag any time or place you desired.

I used to know that it was an honor to serve in the military.

I used to know that America was the strongest nation on earth.

I used to know that your point of view did not disqualify you from acceptance and participation.

I used to know that patriotism was admired, even on college campuses.

I used to know that high school commencement week always included a baccalaureate service.

I used to know that graduation exercise included an invocation and a benediction.

I used to know that congress could make no law prohibiting the free exercise of a religion.

It’s probably good that I don’t know some of these things anymore; most of them I wish I still knew.

Comments

[David Morehead]

Incredible post! I loved every one of these!