Grumpy Side of 60
Back in the saddle again
By Bob Robinson

Note: The Grumpy Side of 60 is a bi-weekly column for The Early Bird. It is reprinted here by permission and will contain occasional comments published in previous CNO columns. The author can assure you, however, that he offers something new for those interested in spending a couple minutes on it).

“I love working with old people,” a young lady told me recently. “That’s my career goal, to take care of old people.” 

“You mean like me?” 

“Yeah,” she said, matter-of-factly. “Like you.” 

I got a grin out of that. She needs a lot more education and a few years’ experience under her belt before she’ll be able to handle a grumpy old man like me. 

For several years I’ve had post-secondary students (high school juniors and seniors) in my Edison classes. Some of them, like this Greenville High School senior, have challenged me and given me hope about our future leaders. I’ve learned a lot from them… I hope they can say the same about me. 

I’ve been an Edison instructor for more than a decade. Since leaving the Advocate in 2009, I’ve carried a full Edison load, and two years ago began substituting in Darke County schools. Most of my assignments have come from the Greenville school district. 

Originally my goal was to limit myself to junior and senior high students. But something happened. Former Greenville Supt. Susie Riegle and former Woodland Elementary Principal Tammy Stritenburger talked me into trying the kiddies. 

“These children need male role models,” they said, adding that my “kneecaps” would get a lot of hugs. 

The idea scared the hell out of me, but I agreed. I was a nervous wreck the first day I got a Woodland assignment. I believe it was kindergarten. To make matters worse, my smile sometimes faltered when these tiny “blank” faces stared up at me as they walked into the classroom. They weren’t smiling. 

“What have I gotten myself into?” I asked myself. “Darned if I know,” I answered myself. 

I don’t remember if that day was great, so-so or a disaster. I think I was numb, but I survived. The next assignment was easier because I finally figured out how to drop to their level (it wasn’t as tough as I thought). Long story short, I fell in love with them… even the “Little Rascals.” And my kneecaps got lots of hugs. 

Then something else happened. Early Bird publisher Fred Foutz asked if we could talk. Okay. Sure. Why not? We talked and the rest is history. I was given an opportunity to come out of retirement and finish what I’d started so many years ago… reporting on and writing about the adopted county I’d grown to cherish. 

Ever had a decision that was tough and easy at the same time? Answer the call of the ink that still ran through my veins, or continue to devote my days to working with young people from kindergarten through post-secondary and college level adults. The answer was obvious, but still very, very hard. Maybe one of the hardest decisions I’d ever made. 

I’d lost track of the times I left one of the campuses – I’ve been to all of them – tired and achy but feeling great. Working with our youth – especially the little ones - is probably one of my most rewarding adventures… short of practicing my life-long vocation of informing readers about the events in their community. 

To those who have welcomed me back, thank you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support. If you are on the Grumpy Side of 60, you’ll remember the song that Gene Autry wrote. It fits perfectly here… “Back in the Saddle Again.” I’m loving it! 

Then there’s the “Little Rascals” and all the other children I’ve gotten to know and love… They’ll still be seeing me, maybe not as often, but I’ll be around.