I was reading the Los Angeles Times online and found out that the old LAPD headquarters known as Parker Center had closed its doors.  Since 1955, this institution was the familiar face of the LAPD.  The old Dragnet series, starring Jack Webb, had shot many scenes there.  This was also part of my past in the LAPD.  As a police officer I had the chance to engage for awhile into the inner world of chasing and catching “bad guys.”  My old station, West Valley Area, was rebuilt since the days I was there over 3 decades ago.  And yet, it seems like yesterday.

Times change.  The past becomes only a memory.  We all move forward towards a future and will always be in the present.  For that is the only thing that exists.  Yes, I will remember my time in the LAPD and the Marines.  I will remember friends and family members that are no longer around.  I will embrace the moments of my past, both bad and good.  From each I have learned.  Those lessons have served me in the present and into my future (that is yet to exist).

I have no idea what the future will be like.  I can only guess and set goals towards what I want to happen.  With plans in place and actions taken in the present will one day a new present come about.  Within those new presents will exist new friends, new opportunities and new wisdom.  Growth will always come with change, only if we learn from our experiences.  Wisdom is the same.

One thing I have learned is that while I’ve gotten older and seemingly more wise, I haven’t looked upon myself as a wise old man.  Unless there is a mirror in front of me, I still imagine myself as that youthful guy that can still spring into action in a moment’s notice and take down a bad guy.  Hmmmm, I do believe I can still do it.  So watch out, this guy is still here and so very ready for action.  Now and in the future, just as I’ve done in the past.  And yes, I now know why some of the old guys I’ve talked to 30 years ago thought what I am thinking now (and I thought back then, “Are they crazy?”).

Keep growing and going forward as you carry the learnings from your past into your now.

Cheers,

Bob