Here Today Gone TomorrowDo you remember when you were a child? I do, vividly. I thought my father knew everything. He was the smartest dad in the world. I believed that the house I grew up in would always be there. Memphis, Tennessee was the best place to live on earth. I remember thinking that old people were over 30 and I would stay young, forever. My family would never grow old and drool like a grandmother. My parents would never leave their teeth in a bowl or container on their bedroom dresser. Does life have a way of changing things, or is life really about change? Change, as defined by Webster, means "to give a different position, course, or direction." It is a transition verb. David Bowie produced and sang a song reflecting 1960s attitudes titled "Changes". Bowie's message is summed up in one line of the chorus. "Time can change me, but I cannot change time." (You Tube. October 29, 2013 Web. April 18, 2014) These nine words describe my life perfectly. I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. We never locked our doors. There were few limitations on where we could play or ride our bikes. Mom and Dad wanted to know where we were going, when we were coming home, and insisted on meeting my friends. I am the second of four brothers. Many of my friends were also friends of my brothers. I have an older brother, a younger brother and a younger sister. Music was a big part of my family. My dad loved playing the guitar and sang just like Johnny Cash. When my father was younger, he made several records and played in many bands around the country. My dad recalls several fond memories, one almost appearing in the Grand Ole Opry show. My father's love for music was contagious. My brothers learned to play... ... halfway ... living in the city was an adjustment, but the kids liked it because we were closer to things and didn't have to drive forever to get anywhere. My son loved music and learned to play several instruments. Whenever my parents came to visit, my dad would have jam sessions with them. The kids still like to play with my dad. Whenever we get together, music is still a vital part of the gathering.St. Louis, Missouri is home. The house I grew up in no longer exists. I know my dad isn't the smartest, richest, or funniest person in the world, but he's my hero. I'm the old person without the drool and dentures. Change is part of life. It is constant and inevitable. Time changed me and even though I couldn't change the time, I learned to embrace it and cherish the memories. They are the memories that bring joy, peace and serenity into my life.