The Future Can Be Bright

With the passing of two celebrities, Johnny Cash and John Ritter within hours after the 2nd anniversary of the Twin Towers tragedy on September 11, 2001, I found myself praying in earnest that they all have found peace in their final resting place wherever it may be. My heart and sympathies go out to the families and friends who are left behind. Then my thoughts sought out all the people that had touched my own life and who are long past gone. I try to make time, even if it is just for a moment to reflect on their lives and I give thanks that I remain here with the living for a little while longer. With all the strife and turmoil around us, it’s still a good period in time to walk upon this earth.


As a child, I remember the big round-topped mahogany radio in my parent’s dining room. My siblings and I would crowd around this sounding device and listen to a baritone voice bellow out, “Only the Shadow Knows” We would cringe in fear as we listen to the story for that day. I remember getting goose bumps at the sound of a screeching door closing before or after the ‘Inner Sanctum Mystery’. There were no TVs that I knew of then; and books, the movie house and the radio were our only means of news and entertainment.


The only thing that resembled the computer of today was what was displayed to us at the theater. A single computer and its accessories would need a whole room to house them. The primitive machine almost seemed alive from the deafening sounds that were caused by the moving parts, wheels and dials. It took a genius to run the machinery. As time passed, technology grew.


I do envy the children of today, because they will witness the fantastic changes that will occur over time. I can almost visualize the things that may be here in the future that are similar to the science fiction stories that we read in books, view in the movies and on TV. Imagine being able to transport an object, even a living specimen from one place to another in a matter of seconds!


Is it so far fetched? Really, I don’t believe so. Someone is going to invent those impossible things, because the longer a time that a human being remains on this earth, the more he/she will seek improvements and a better way of life. Scientists, and even dedicated inventors will introduce new and more sophisticated technology and medical breakthroughs to our world. Maybe one day we will see that hover craft that glides on water as well as drive on land with just the flick of a lever, become standard fare such as the vehicles that we ride in nowadays. Wouldn’t it be a boom to the commuters of the world to be able to travel to their every day destinations by boarding a craft which travels suspended in the air or soars along wires high above houses and tall buildings and takes mere seconds to go from one point to the other!


Right now, we have moving walkways, escalators and such. One day, we will step into an elevator, which not only would travel up or down, but also travel horizontally. For instance, wouldn’t it be wonderful to step out of a plane, and not have to walk that long distance to pick up your luggage and get out of the terminal!


Just the other day, I saw a commercial about a robotic vacuum cleaner. You set it upon the floor, turn it on and it vacuums the whole area going in, under and around the carpeted floor while you relax or do something else.


All these things and much more will be commonplace someday, and as long as we don’t kill ourselves off with war and hostilities against one another, these dreams will be a pleasant reality and our world will thrive. And as far as our bodies keeping up with all these futuristic offerings, it falls heavily upon us to keep healthy by eating the right foods and exercising often. With all these gadgets at our disposal, we should have plenty of time to pamper ourselves as well as keep our bodies strong. Most importantly, there will be time to spend with family and friends.


There’s nothing wrong with having material things, which make life comfortable for us as long as we do what is practical and necessary to achieve that goal without hurting others. That includes our station in life, our love and caring concern for the people around us,and the joy of spending our leisure time with our family and loved ones.


Today is September 12, 2003