Submitted by Fred on

I Used To...

Categories
Lifestyle

This blog is inspired by my wife Joanne who I overheard riffing “I used to hug my grandchildren” (see photo) and on and on and on...

I asked her to Guest Blog, but if you know Jo you know that was not in the cards.

So here I go:
I used to fear something bad was just around the corner

I used to be a commuter

I used to be a softball pitcher for the Batmen

I used to shake hands

I used to be 5’9 3/4”

I used to go to Yankee games with Paul

I used to wear shoes and long pants

I used to go to the gym

I used to ride the subway

I used to take trips

I used to be young

I used to go through the motions

I used to be Fred Klein!

Comments

Daniel Schwartz

You still are Fred Klein.
I used to me more nimble.
I used to be more patient.
I used to have lower blood pressure.
Vincent Chirico

Hey - I used to be 5’ 9 3/4”!!
I definitely used to be more patient
I used to be more limber
But now I’m better-looking...and more...modest
Fred Klein

Funny how modesty doesn’t wane :)
Benjamin Geizhals

When it all started, we called it a “Pause”. So let’s just think of it as a pause and we’ll all be back.

Submitted by Judy_Mauer on Thu, 08/27/2020 - 21:48

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Judy Mauer

I used to travel the world

Submitted by Fred on Thu, 08/27/2020 - 21:54

In reply to by Judy_Mauer

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Fred Klein

We had to cancel a trip :(
Shelley Simpson

While these are things you did and some are things you will do again, they are not who you are. And what's with the "going through the motions?" That doesn't sound like you unless you are referring to the legal documents.
Paul Napolitano

I will hug my kids again, soon.
I will visit my amazing in-laws again, soon.
I will dine again inside at my favorite restaurants, soon.
I will go to Yankee games with Fred, soon.
Other than that, I actually miss very, very little.

Submitted by Alex_Fecci on Thu, 08/27/2020 - 22:13

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Alex Fecci

I used to Walk in the City, Feed off Its' Energy and Breathe Freely Without Fear of Dying.

Submitted by MarilynGenoa on Thu, 08/27/2020 - 22:17

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Marilyn Genoa

So interesting reading the responses excellent blog. I’m still trying to wrap my head around my answer.
Fred Klein

I’m not sure you ever will again :(
Fred Klein

Great offline comment came from my friend Chuck Schmidt. He said I used to be a lot of things but it’s not about who or what I was. It’s about who I am now, what I have learned, what I have taught and what I have yet to accomplish.
Fred Klein

I thought the blog was too negative, but am buoyed by the responses! Thank you all!
Rick Raymond

I used to enjoy the crowd in Gand Centra
At Yankee Stadium
The tourists in mid town
Without grumpily side stepping those out without masks
Victoria Drogin

Joseph Campbell said: “You can’t make omelettes without breaking eggs.“ There are many aspects of my old life that have disappeared or changed over the past five months, and I am wiser, more appreciative, and more aware than I used to be. I make choices based on different priorities. That’s a gift in some ways, and definitely limiting in others. But I appreciate going to the market where it used to be taken for granted, or a chore. I appreciate seeing the kids and ache to hug them. I never appreciated or missed hugs so much. I thank good for my parent’s health, Paul’s and mine - and will never take it for granted the same way.. The future is sweet and bright. And I know whatever happens I’ll meet it as who I am now - different than who I was in January 2020. And Fred, you and Jo are you - better, maybe different, and I miss you both so much!
Fred Klein

Thank you so much for your deeply profound reaction to a blog which reaches and cries for in the moment discourse!
Rona Gura

We discuss in Weight watchers, a lot, not focusing on what you're not but, rather, focusing on who you are. You are a resilient person.
ODEY RAVIV

We all had to go through the motions in normal times but hopefully we retained our identity and our values. They are the engines that keep us positive and hopeful for making moreof life when we have the chance to hug and celebrate in person.

Submitted by NeilHollander on Fri, 08/28/2020 - 04:13

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Neil Hollander

It used to be so natural
To talk about forever
But used-to-be's don't count anymore
They just lay on the floor 'til we sweep them away
Tessa Marquis

I used to sit in Rockefeller Center just to hear all the different languages being spoken by tourists.
I used to eat in restaurants.
I used to weigh less and love more people.
I am used to it.
Fred Klein

More time for swimming, etc. and, somehow I’ve lost weight...

Submitted by Steven_Lichtenstein on Fri, 08/28/2020 - 06:51

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Steven Lichtenstein

What was will be once again.
A memory forever etched in our brain.
A simple hand shake or a nod
Bagels with lox in the diner or a scotch at the Friar's
Hanging with Fred did always inspire
Keep the faith and remember
It will soon be December
and in good time this year will be
Another mile marker in a journey for all our members!

Submitted by Fred on Fri, 08/28/2020 - 11:32

In reply to by Steven_Lichtenstein

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Fred Klein

Very nice and poetic. Thank you!
Vincent Russo

And now
I LIKE....
Not wearing shoes
Being at home
Having time for my grandchildren
Listening to rock and roll while walking John and George (the boys- aka the dogs)
Not driving in traffic
Having home cooked meals
Having my son , Robert move in for the summer
And
What are your likes?
Have a great weekend

Dana Charlton

I used to be your secretary, and you will always be someone I respect, admire, and look up to, Fred Klein.

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