Nailed it
Time to prepare an explanation for my children. Something in the vein of “When did you realize that you were growing old?” They haven’t asked (yet); too polite, possibly. But, best to prepare, so that I don’t find myself nonplussed by the question.
Before I get into particulars, here is the reason for everything: growth in the world population. I’ll explain. My parents taught me to believe that I was unique. And (based in part on the particular collection of books held in that tiny library in the basement of the parish church), I conflated that to “I have super powers”. A minor point of confusion, really. With each new skill acquired, I believed that “few others” had exactly that combination of talents.
I’m not using simple abilities here. Most people can use a fork and a spoon, or dial a telephone (OK, not so much, anymore). The way that I could open a double-hung window was worth knowing, because I lived in a home where that was necessary (no sliding panes, here). But there were real skills, and as I moved from childhood to young adulthood, I managed to build up a pretty good portfolio.
Taking pictures (not those iPhone things; real pictures, with real negatives and real sinks full of smell acids). With lenses and f:stops. Nailed it.
Tune up a tube radio for lowest plate current. Nailed it.
Dive beneath the ocean surface. And then come back, alive. Nailed it.
Play the kettle drums. That, sadly, might be one of the few things that very few can do, any more.
There are others, but on the whole, I’ve learned that there are many, many others who can match me, move for move. And the reason? Out-of-control population growth. Nothing else makes sense. I’ll get back to this subject, later. Wait for me.
My family tree database passed the 73K mark this evening.
