I Feel Old

I actually got the day off from jury waiting today.

I took my boys to the pool, but did not swim. Instead I sat in a lounge chair and listened to the various conversations happening around me. One hears interesting things when other people are speaking in an ungaurded fashion.

I wasn't eavesdropping...I was obviously close enough to hear anything being said and no particular pains were being taken to be discreet. Sometimes when people are deep in conversation, they forget that others are in earshot.

Anyway...

I was sitting in a patch of shade near the baby pool, where two young mothers were talking about George Carlin having died.

Mother #1: "Hey, did you hear George Carlin died?"

Mother #2: "Oh no! Not Mr. Conductor!"

Mother #1: "I know...there will never be another narrator like him. I never liked any of the other Mr. Conductors."

GAK.

She only knew him as Mr. Conductor. She had no idea he was a brilliant comedian and social satirist with a penetrating insight and excoriating wit.

And I suddenly felt much, much older than any 39 year old person should.

R.I.P George Carlin.

Many will remember you for your seven words, your ridiculous arrest, your fight against censorship, and your amazing comedic ability. But the fact that you are also remembered as the beloved Mr. Conductor on an iconic children's television program, just shows that you had style, depth, character and versatility beyond measure.

You will be missed.