[Evans, Marv]

Decades ago when I was teaching high school age kids I used to try to instill some ideas & perspectives that might pay off later. Of course they know everything, but I had an approach to getting them to accept someone older & with more life experience might have something of value for them to consider. I'd ask them at what age they became aware they weren't a little kid anymore. Most of them would say maybe 12 to 14. I'd comment that was about right, so awareness wise how old did that make them? Of course the answer was three, maybe five years. Then I'd point out how much their awareness had developed during that three to five years, which they would realize was a lot. Then I'd point out how old adults were relative to them and how much their awareness must be in comparison (in most cases). Then I'd let them know whatever advice I gave them was optional, & they could take it or leave it or think about it later on. I think that approach served several well. At least those who came back over the years to say hello seemed to indicate that. My idea for them was life would get messy as it does for everybody, but to keep in mind some of the worthwhile things older people had said.