A Very Long Life?

Posted on January 8, 2024 by S. Eric Jackson

One of my favorite television characters firmly believes there is no such thing as a coincidence. Given the context of his make-believe world, I tend to agree with him. However, when my current online muse asked, “What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life,” I began to wonder about the idea of coincidences.

That morning at church, the sermon kicked off a series on the Book of Genesis. During the introduction, the pastor continued to hammer the idea that God is, was, and always will be. God is eternal, which is what you might call a very long life.

When you add the above to my medical history over the last few years, you better have a warped sense of humor, or you’ll think the next knock at the door could be the Grim Reaper. This is especially true if your last two Januarys included hospital stays with potentially dire outcomes, as mine did.

Thankfully, it wasn’t my time to go. However, during one of those stays, when things were up in the air, the attending physician tried to lighten the mood by assuring me I was a strong fighter. His exact words were, “You’re going to beat this and be with us for a long time.”

Then, in an attempt at what I assume was humor, he quipped, “You may not make it to 100, but you’ll be around for years!” I had to bite my tongue to avoid saying, “Who wants to live to be 100?” That thought should give you some idea of how I would respond to the very long-life question.

Of course, there are some caveats to keep in mind. If medical science comes up with a way for humans to live very long lives while staying physically and mentally fit as we are in our mid-twenties, living a very long life might be interesting. On the other hand, it might not. That is why one of my prayers is that should I go to Heaven, God has something interesting for me to do.

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

© oneoldcop.com 2024

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Changing Courses

Posted on January 7, 2024 by S. Eric Jackson

Ever wondered, ”What can I do differently?” If you haven’t, head for the closest bathroom, go in, lock the door, and question the person in the mirror. Or, if you’re 100% Gen Z, whip out your smartphone, put it in selfie mode, and talk to that character on the screen. You might even be able to record the conversation.

If you’re still reading, I’ve either piqued your curiosity, or you have too much time on your hands. Either way, give me a minute and see what you think.

If you’ve never asked yourself the question above, one of two things is true. You’ve either never screwed up big time, in a relationship or professional situation or when the nice police officer at your window asked for your driver’s license. Or worse, when your shrink or life coach asked the question.

My weird sense of humor aside, it is sometimes important to ask that question of yourself honestly. For instance, Scotty McCreery has a song titled Cab In A Solo playing on the radio. It is a wonderful ode to those who have played games with relationships at one time or another, and the character in that song realizes he might have done something differently.

When I say you should ask yourself that question occasionally, I do not mean the answer should always be, “Yes, I can do this differently!” Sometimes, the answer is, “Heck no!” Even in the case of bad outcomes or what others think is bad, you may have done the right thing.

For example, I was in the public sector for over four decades. I achieved many goals and was a recognized leader in my field. I traveled throughout the United States and part of Canada, representing my agency and other entities in law enforcement, conflict resolution, and diversity training.

I could have continued for some time, possibly landing in a high-level position at a major university or in the private sector, working with higher education. However, I could see things moving in a direction that made me uncomfortable. So, I retired instead of doing what I’d always done, trying to make a silk purse from a sow’s ear.

Many questioned my decision. I understood their point. I gave up a lot to walk away, but two decades later, I know my decision was correct.

© oneoldcop.com 2024

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Of Freeway Billboards and Other Trash

Posted on January 6, 2024 by S. Eric Jackson

Okay! The title of this piece is a bit snarky, but that’s the mood I’m in today. Billboards have their place in the world, and most countries have their equivalent of the billboards we see in the United States.

Some places ban billboards for anything other than driving directions or similar information. I guess that means a Buc-ees billboard would be okay in one of those countries. They normally have information concerning the location of the closest Buc-ees.

The title of this piece aside, billboards are sometimes informational and entertaining. However, today’s writing question was what I would post on a billboard. First, at prices ranging from around $800 to $3,500 a month, the message would need to be important if I’m ponying up that kind of money.

I mean, really! How many people pay that much attention to a billboard they are passing at 75 MPH while having to watch out for the idiots driving 100 and weaving in and out of traffic? Okay, there are a lot of cars passing most billboards at certain times of the day, but who wants to try and write down the phone number for a lawyer claiming he can get you a million bucks if you’re run over by an eighteen-wheeler while slowing to write down his number?.

So, I guess if I put up a sign, it would read something like this.

© oneoldcop.com 2024

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Ponder This

Posted on January 5, 2024 by S. Eric Jackson

When you wake up in the morning, what are some things that first come to mind? Okay! Forget thoughts about hitting the snooze button on the alarm or checking your smartwatch to see if your headache is from a lack of sleep or one too many nightcaps last night. I’m talking about whether you think about what’s ahead or what you left behind.

Most of us think about what lies ahead. However, some wake up and are still pondering what happened in the past. The question then becomes, which is more important: things that have yet to happen or those that have. Of course, the term more important is extremely subjective. What is important to me might be of little consequence to someone else.

I concentrate on the future. After all, there is little I can do about the past. And, at this point, some eyes are rolling, and heads are shaking. Thoughts are popping up like subtitles on a screen as people think I am blowing off the past. This is especially true of people who have been wronged in the past or those who have wronged others and dealt with the repercussions.

I am not preaching that one can ignore the past. I have been through the apology process for my past sins against another more times than I care to remember. Yet, I cannot let those mistakes weigh me down. None of us are perfect, but we can learn from our mistakes, which brings me back to the point of this piece. Do I spend more time thinking about the future or the past?

First, I do my best to focus on the future, keeping the past in mind. Past actions can impact you, those around you, and things that happen in the future. So, as I share my thoughts here today, I remember things that happened in the past. As time marches on, these things shaped who I am today and who I will be.

Whatever those things were, good or bad, they do not monopolize my thoughts. I’ve come to terms with them. I concentrate on what I am trying to accomplish and where I am trying to go.

In closing, I have one final thought. There are things in my past I cherish and hope I never forget. However, I do not dwell on them or wish I could return to those days. They helped make me who I am today and who I will be. Still, they cannot be the focus of my life.

Copyright © 2024

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Of Gifts and Gratitude

Posted on January 4, 2024 by S. Eric Jackson

If you’re new to my world, I am one of the most analytical people you will ever meet. Even if something I do or say seems spontaneous, you can bet I have thought about it at some point. Or, in some cases, my mind kicks into overdrive, and I analyze the situation as I speak.

Consider the piece you’re reading, for example. I analyzed a question about gifts and wrote several hundred words to figure out exactly what I should say in this post. Finally, I decided the most direct route would be the best.

The inspiration for this piece was the question, “What is the greatest gift someone could give you?” There is no answer to this question in some ways because the greatest gifts I could ask for have already been given to me.

I have a wife who loves me dearly. I have four beautiful, intelligent daughters who are not too embarrassed to admit they are related to me. My friends have stood by me through thick and thin over the years, and I have accomplished more than I ever imagined.

To me, those are all God-given gifts that cannot be matched. Of course, if you’re a hair-splitter like I am at times, you could ask me if I wouldn’t be just as grateful to an organ donor or something along those lines.

Certainly, I would be grateful for such a gift, but let’s keep this in the realm of reasonable expectations. In answer to the question, I would say two things fit the bill of the greatest gift in my world: trust and honesty.

Copyright © 2024

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Collegiately Speaking

Posted on January 3, 2024 by S. Eric Jackson

If someone asked you, “What colleges did you attend,” what would you say? When asked this question, my first thought was, “I never attended a college.” It took me a minute to remember my first venture into higher education was at Arlington State College in Arlington, Texas.

However, shortly after I enrolled at Arlington State College, it became part of the University of Texas system. In 1967, it officially became the University of Texas at Arlington. So, if I did respond that way, it might be considered an honest mistake.

My last graduation ceremony.

Now, you might be thinking, “What the heck difference does it make if you went to a college or a university?’ Well, in some ways, it might not, but if you want to know why it might make a difference, click the link below.

College vs. University: What’s the Difference?

Getting back to the subject, I am what some would call a Philomath. That is, I love learning. That is why I studied at UT Arlington, the University of North Texas, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Southwestern Baptist Seminary.

My higher education odyssey began the fall after I graduated from high school. It ended fifty years later when I accepted my last diploma.

In that period, I had a successful career while earning three degrees: a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Theological Studies. You might say I was fascinated with learning.

Speaking of my fascination with learning, some people might call me a learning nerd. However, since I finished the last paragraph, I learned the proper term for someone like me might be Epistemophiliac.

No! It is not a naughty word.

Copyright © 2024

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Playfully Speaking

Posted on January 2, 2024 by S. Eric Jackson

I have been challenged to answer two questions. First, do I play in my daily life? Second, What says playtime to me? I always find questions of this nature amusing. I don’t care if the person asking the question is a prospective employer, a therapist, or a snake oil salesman attempting to talk me into something questionable.

However, if I am asked to write something about the questions, I do my best to answer them sensibly and clearly. For instance, do I play in my daily life? The simple answer is, “Of course I play in my daily life!’

Remember the old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?” There is a great deal of truth there, with the only question being one’s definition of play. For instance, I am having a ball at the moment writing this blog.

Yes, answering the questions above and other prompts or questions is fun for me. First, I love giving my opinion and then debating points of contention. Also, it challenges me to see if I can inject my rather weird sense of humor into the equation. Take my response to another writer who took exception to my use of some pronouns and other gender-specific terms.

It allowed me to share my point of view and have some fun with them. It was all in good taste and as cordial as social media debates can be. The fun for me was the challenge of making my point and occasionally getting a grudging chuckle or agreement from the other party. Okay! That is not everyone’s idea of fun and being playful, but it is mine.

Yes, the thing that says playtime to me is any time I have the opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s face, make them choke back a laugh during a serious discussion, or leave them shaking their head with a smile on their face.

Life is a game. It is a serious game at times, but it is a game. You need to be able to play the game without letting it get you down. If not, you’re missing many opportunities to make someone else feel good or, heaven forbid, make yourself feel good.

Copyright © 2024

@jacksonseric

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Speaking of Challenges

Posted on January 1, 2024 by S. Eric Jackson

Well, the WordPress powers that be have again initiated the Bloganuary challenge. The program is designed to trigger a writer’s thinking and challenges the writer to share those thoughts with others. This helps keep us moving forward and developing our talents.

Each day in January, WordPress challenges bloggers to write daily using prompts suggested by WordPress. The first challenge this year is the prompt below.

What are your biggest challenges?

Being overly analytical, my first thought was, “I won’t live long enough to write about this topic!” Then it hit me! That is my biggest challenge: the time I have left. That, and knowing what to do with it.

Yes! Regardless of age, health, or whatever, the biggest challenge is to realize your time is limited. That does not mean you throw caution to the wind and rush into places where others fear to tread. What it means is you need to decide what is most important: your wants, your needs, your wishes, or the desires of others.

I can still remember, as a young adult, thinking I would never live to see the year 2000. Thankfully, I did not let that morbid thought hold me back. So, here I am in 2024, writing this silly piece of philosophy for your reading pleasure.

I know more about my potential lifespan than I did when I was younger. Still, one cannot take anything for granted regarding such issues.

My doctor thinks I have at least twenty more years of waking up every morning if I take care of myself. Of course, no one knows when they will draw their last breath. After all, to quote a long-running television drama: “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.”

The previous thought is true, with one exception. You can turn the hourglass over, and the sand keeps running. Life, at least earthly life, is not as easily extended.

My greatest challenge, and yours, is twofold. First, we need to accept our days are numbered without letting that interfere with living a full life. Second, we need to believe we can accomplish our goals and maybe even our dreams in the time we have left.

However, as with any journey, the final distance starts with one step and will not be finished if we do not continue taking steps.

Copyright © 2026

@jacksonseric

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Childhood Lost

Posted on October 25, 2023 by S. Eric Jackson

I was challenged the other day with the following question. When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (sic) (if ever)? Questionable spelling and snarky implication aside, the question is something I’ve pondered before.

The problem I face in answering such a question is complex. I have no true memories of my early years. The first true memories I can recall started when I was about six. Anything before those memories are memories I created based on the stories told about an incident.

I had many interesting childhood experiences, beginning with a near-death experience. I was six months old, and my great-grandmother almost killed me. That was my first trip to a hospital, and I carried the physical scars of that incident for decades. If that were not enough, my little brother dropped a brick on my head a few years later, again sending me to the hospital.

Of course, that one also made me the butt of many jokes as I grew older. Any memory lapse, odd behavior, or whatever was blamed on the brick. Luckily, I was reportedly wearing a sturdy leather cap at the time of the assault, or the jokes might not have been funny.

Early near tragedies aside, I cannot remember when I was not expected to be a grown-up, at least part of the time. The first clear memory of my childhood was alluded to in the first paragraph. I was five years old. That memory resulted in another trip to the hospital and laid the groundwork for prepubescent adulthood.

Surviving my early childhood was no mean feat. I made it, though, quickly transitioning from preschool boyhood to being the third adult in our little family. That may sound pretentious or over the top, but it was my reality. When I think of those years, two country songs come to mind, “Peter Pan” and “Love Triangle.”

Dad was so much like the guy Kelsea Ballerini wrote about in her song “Peter Pan” that it hit me immediately. Then there is Raelynn’s song “Love Triangle.” I was the anchor point in my family’s little love triangle. I was caught between Mom and Dad, trying to love and calm them or ride out the storms that often raged through our lives.

Being the oldest child, babysitter, and shoulder to cry on was interesting. I manned the confessional for Dad’s rants and raves. I was the kid who wanted to play ball but had to hold Mom’s hand or stand by and watch her wilting because of things done, not done, said, or not said that left her empty. I was the big brother who had to act like a dad when my little brother acted like a little brother.

Yes, I was grown up, long before I was old enough for others to think of me as an adult, much less a grown-up. That’s probably why I took every chance as an adult to experience something akin to the joy I saw in the faces and eyes of my children and grandchildren.

In closing, I acted the part and had to be the adult in the room years before I wanted to have that job. However, the first time it truly hit me that I was fully grown up was one night not long after I graduated from high school. That was when my father asked me to care for my mother because he was divorcing her to marry his much younger girlfriend.

© oneoldcop.com 2023

Posted in family, infidelity, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments

Could Be; Should Be?

Posted on October 23, 2023 by S. Eric Jackson

Writing prompts are such fun. Whether the prompts come from events happening around you or funneled to you by one muse or another. Take the one below. It came from a Happiness Engineer but triggered a memory from decades ago.

What principles define how you live?

Back in the dark ages, 1981 to be exact, the United States Army first adopted the slogan “Be All You Can Be” as a recruiting tool. Now, that is a great-sounding principle. It was so great at the time it was recognized years later as one of the best advertising campaigns ever, which is why it was resurrected earlier this year.

One of the things I enjoyed the most during my years as a police chief was addressing a police academy graduating class. Looking at all those eager faces, young and not so young, inspired me to make my comments meaningful yet entertaining.

Who wants to sit there and listen to some old fuddy-duddy repeat things you’ve already heard from instructors and training officers more times than you want to remember? So, I always tried to say something unexpected or different, and this prompt reminded me of one of the last curve balls I threw at a class of graduates.

Yep, I took a shot at the idea that being all you can be is a principle to live by. Now, why would I do that? Who wouldn’t want to be all they can be in life? Isn’t that a principle to live by?

Sadly, as with all slogans, mottos, admonitions, etc., it is very subjective. That is why I changed it when I spoke to academy graduates. My slogan was, “Be All You Should Be!”

I am sometimes a hairsplitter; some people even see me as a bit of a Chicken Little guy. They see me running around shouting, “The sky is falling, the sky is falling!” whenever the stuff hits the fan.

However, those young men and women were preparing to start careers in a very difficult and complex profession. Telling them to “be all you can be” might be misleading. Instead, I suggested striving to be all they “should be.”

For instance, there are various formulas for being a winner and champion. Wouldn’t most of us think being a winner and champion is close to being all you can be? If that is what you think, here is one of the formulas that may lead you to that goal.

  • Winners and champions are passionate about what they do.
  • They are committed to what they do.
  • They have a strategy or a plan.
  • They have clarity of purpose.
  • They are willing to take action.
  • They have the energy to get things done.
  • They have bonding power and the ability to communicate.

Would you agree that if you had all these traits, you would have a good chance to be all you could be? Can you think of people who had these characteristics? People who did their best to be all they could be.

To me, names like John Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Mother Teresa fall into that category. They weren’t perfect, but they were loved and respected. However, others did their best to be all they could be and are not held in such high esteem.

People like Adolph Hitler, Charles Manson, and Jim Jones come to mind. They had passion and commitment. They had a plan and clarity of purpose. They had energy, bonding power, and communication ability. They sought to be all they could be.

Hopefully, we can agree they were not all they should be.

© oneoldcop.com 2023

Featured Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay

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