Editor’s note: This column first appeared in the April 2006 AFA Journal. September 2021 – My email address is public so, as you can imagine, I get plenty.

One of the more popular expressions knocked around by people in my age group (OLD!!) is “used to be.” That is certainly true of our mothers, past and present.

Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn.com The couple sitting in the counselor’s office had been married over forty years. They had weathered financial setbacks, the rearing of two children, moving from city to city due to job changes, and countless marital disagreements.

The following story is another life lesson I have learned from my long association with the Oklahoma Memorial. At the prodding of my friends, I am writing this story.

Ever had your heart crushed by a loved one who broke a promise? Or found that a dear friend wasn’t as trustworthy as you had been led to believe?

BIG TROUBLE. A man walks in through the front door after work.

Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn.com Ever received a frantic phone call from someone needing help? Out of nowhere in a dazzling blue sky, that swiftly moving thunderstorm of need rolls in over your nice quiet afternoon.

The recent pathetic attempt to arrange for our first snowstorm of the thus-far mild winter conjures up all kinds of memories about adventures in the snow, some pleasant and some not so much. After 75 years in the work force, I can appreciate the attention to detail. Ho! Ho! Ho!

“WHAT YOU SEE MAY NOT REALLY BE THERE” Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn.com Andy is a typical early riser. Meaning he is usually up, dressed and sitting at the desk in his office by around seven every morning.

We had made it through Monroney Jr. High in my blessed journey through a charmed life when we ran out of room last week.