This week, as I approach my 84th birthday, my thoughts are about the changes that I have witnessed in my life.

Growing up in Reserve with great parents, a younger brother and two younger sisters was indeed a blessing. It was a simple life, which included much love and pride in our church and community.

Our patriotism was never questioned.

When I started school at St. Peter in 1940, we had over 700 students and the tuition was 50 cents a month. The faculty consisted of one lay teacher and 14 Dominican nuns.

I recall listening to the radio with my dad during the Second World War.

The war caused women to enter the workforce. There were no televisions then.

America was truly one nation, under God, united and unselfish.

My dad worked at Godchaux Sugars, one of the largest industries in the River Parishes.

We never owned a car or a telephone. The only recreation we had was what my dad organized.   

At that time, parents spent more time with their children.

The biggest football games, as far as we were concerned, were between Reserve and Lutcher and LSU and Tulane.

When couples got married, they took their vows seriously. Divorce was something we seldom heard about.

Children respected their parents and all elders.

Our heroes were the military who protected our freedoms, not ungrateful professional athletes.

As I celebrate my birthday, I’m so grateful for the blessings God has given me and my family. I have to admit that I have concerns about what the future holds for my grandchildren and great grandchildren.

I pray that God will continue to bless America!

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-542-8477 or email hkeller@comcast.net.