I don’t know how old you are. This is a warning: I’m going back to a time in my childhood that really “sticks” in my mind. Get it? “Sticks”? Do you remember Fleer’s Double Bubble gum? I do. It had a little cartoon wrapped around each piece. There were other brands available, but Fleer’s gum was tops in my book. It blew the biggest bubbles. As they came out of my mouth, a magic line developed and the bubble actually split and became two bubbles. The trick was to time the deflation of the bubbles so they didn’t stick to your hair, eyebrows, and skin.

All the kids in my neighborhood were into Double Bubble. We’d have contests to see who could blow the biggest double bubble before it burst. Lots of fun, that’s for sure.

Well, I don’t chew bubble gum any more. You know, all the sugar, the possibility of dislodging an expensive gold crown or filling. In fact, when regular, even sugar-free gum got to be a dollar a package, I gave gum up for good. Don’t really miss it. I couldn’t make it crack like my Aunt Gerry did anyway. Over the years, I tried to master the technique, but never got it down.

I have to confess to a certain enjoyment watching young children blowing bubbles. Some of them are pretty good, but none seem to compare with my childhood memories of my own double bubbles and those of my friends.

Now, what’s the purpose of this rather nostalgic trip down memory lane? Well, when I go to our largest mall here, I use my electric chair, Sparky. I see a lot of things that walking folks don’t see. I’m operating at belt buckle level, you see.

My friend and I try to grab a salad there once a week at Chick-Fil-A. As I pulled up to the counter, I noticed two big ol’ hunks of bubble gum stuck on the decorative wooden railing that bordered the counter. The smell brought back a lot of good memories. The sight just wasn’t what I needed as I was about to order lunch.

When I was leaving the area, I asked the young lady behind the counter for a napkin. I explained that I would take my knife and remove the gum. She thanked me profusely and said, “Must have been some kids!” I asked her why she was so sure it was kids. She, mostly a kid herself, said that it just seemed like something a kid would do.

I got to thinking about her automatic assumption. Sorry, folks, but kids aren’t the only people in the world who behave in an uncaring, unthinking, ill-mannered, or rude manner! I’ve seen many full grown humans throw a fast food sack out the window of their car as they sped along the road. I’ve seen paper towels all the over the floor in a public restroom. I’ve seen adults spit a big ol’ lugy on the sidewalk where others have to walk. I’ve seen countless piles of cigarette butts on the pavement right where a car was parked at one time.

Hey, I’m not trying to be judgemental. Just wishing for a time when double bubble gum stayed in people’s mouths until it could be disposed of properly; for a time when people carried and used little trash bags in their cars; for a time when all of us thought about the next person who would use the rest room, walk on the sidewalk, and, yes, approach the counter to order lunch.

What do you think? What Life Lessons leap out of this story in your mind. As always, look forward to your great responses! I know you’re going to help me come to some rich conclusions again.  Use the “Leave a Reply” box below!

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