Auld Lang Syne – For Old Times

“Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?” I think not. For everyone I have known, loved and lost there was something of them that I shall always keep close to my heart. 

It’s Later Than You Think!

I saw a Facebook entry one of my relatives posted this week that got me to thinking about all of the people I have known who are no longer alive, but still live quite vibrantly in my memories. The post was a quote my father-in-law, Dock Ringo, told his daughter on many occasions, “It’s later than you think.” The quote is from a song recorded by Guy Lombardo in November of 1949, entitled “Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think)”. Now that I think about my father-in-law’s profession and strong association with music, it makes sense he would make that quote. He was in the juke box business. He owned many of them and as a result was aware of every popular song on the charts for many decades. This one in particular strikes a chord for those of us who are still alive, working hard to make ends meet and think we still have time to put off those simple pleasures for later when we will have more time and money, or so we think. 

The song lyrics go as follows:

You work and work for years and years, you’re always on the go
You never take a minute off, too busy makin’ dough
Someday, you say, you’ll have your fun, when you’re a millionaire
Imagine all the fun you’ll have in your old rockin’ chair

Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you’re still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as a wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think

You’re gonna take that ocean trip, no matter, come what may
You’ve got your reservations made, but you just can’t get away
Next year for sure, you’ll see the world, you’ll really get around
But how far can you travel when you’re six feet underground?

Your heart of hearts, your dream of dreams, your ravishing brunette
She’s left you and she’s now become somebody else’s pet
Lay down that gun, don’t try, my friend, to reach the great beyond
You’ll have more fun by reaching for a redhead or a blonde

Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you’re still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as a wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think

My father-in-law lived his life having fun making his fortune. He took the time off to spend time with us, taking us on numerous vacations and celebrating holidays with us as well. He had many traits I admired, his strength and strong will I appreciated the most.

To other old acquaintances I will not forget: 

To my grandfather George De Ridder, I owe my love of art for it was him who taught me to let go of my inhibitions and not be afraid to draw. 

To my father Marinus, who taught me to be strong and instilled in me an appreciation of science, literature and mathematics. He guarded his feelings and emotions, but inside was a very tender man who dearly loved his dogs, cats and my mother. 

To Mammy, my husband’s grandmother, who was remarkably outspoken and definitely not afraid to speak her mind or walk to the beat of her own drummer, I learned was it truly means to be bold. 

To my mother-in-law Eleanor, who wore her heart out in the open revealing her real emotions for everyone to see. She was one of the kindest souls I have ever known, for even though her temper was legendary her forgiveness was complete and infinite. 

To my sister-in-law Liz, who had such a dry sense of humor that I can not begin to describe how great it was. She helped me see humor in the unexpected. 

To Louis Duca, who worked with me at Glitsch Inc. and who taught me the fine art of selling fractionation equipment with a smile and sense of humor. 

To Bill Young, who taught both me and Danny to love the finer things in life (like single malt scotch). Such a presence he had indeed. 

To Cathy Streetman, my best friend and sister in heart. Her friendship and acceptance was so enormous, it was only matched by her generosity and teasing sense of humor. 

A Final Salute

All of these friends, relatives and business associates are gone in the physical sense but have left indelible marks in both heart and memory. I can’t think of a finer tribute to them than to acknowledge their contributions to my own life and how their existence influenced me for the positive. I can only hope that someday someone will feel the same about me.  For those of you who have also lost past acquaintances, friends or family, but kept a part of them in your heart, I dedicate this post to you.  At last, I finally understand the lyrics of Auld Lang Syne.  Read them below and perhaps you too will see what I see in them.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?

 CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

 And surely you buy your pint cup !
and surely I buy mine !
And we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

 We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

 CHORUS

 We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

 CHORUS

 And there’ a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !

And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

 References and links:

Auld Lang Syne – Wikipedia Definitions

 Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think) – YouTube Guy Lombardo Version

 Auld Lang Syne – Guy Lombardo – Seeburg Juke Box Version – Complete with scratches on the 45 RP! – YouTube