Thank God for Andy Rooney

Just a month ago we heard that 60 Minutes Legend, Andy Rooney, would retire.  Then yesterday woke up to the news that he died after minor surgery in New York over this weekend.  Since our Andy was intensely private, perhaps there is more to this story than meets the eye.   Either he knew a month ago when leaving CBS that his time was limited ... or... he couldn't even think about living life without doing the work he loved so much.  Either way I am sad today... both as a Broadcaster and as an American.

I've been looking for an Andy Rooney video from 3 years ago after Barack Obama was elected president, and finally found it this morning on the CBS website.  If you get a chance ... click the following link and watch this amazing moment in American history.  While you're at it watch the Andy Rooney Essay on the Oklahoma City Bombing.  The line, "I could kill the bastards" is also one of those historic moments in our nation's history.

The Best of Andy Rooney

I thought it would be fun to write a little Essay on the life of Andy Rooney... in... well... the style of Andy Rooney.   Here goes my attempt.



I was watching 60 Minutes a few weeks ago, when an American Icon announced he was about to leave his post with CBS News.   Andy Rooney is 92 years old, so one would argue that he deserves to retire after all of those years of writing interesting thoughts about the week's news events.  I don't know if Mr. Rooney was ready for retirement though.  I honestly thought he would be bored out of his mind without the opportunity to sit down once a week and pound out one of his famous Essays.

I understand that he was not the kind of man who wanted his personal baggage out there for people to hear, so if he had issues a month ago and didn't want it to be publicized, so be it.   I also understand that after someone has been on this planet for 92 years there are things they know .... that the rest of us younger people simply do not.  He was wise enough, and kind enough to write some of that wisdom down.

I've learned...

I've learned...that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned...that when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned...that just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned...that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned...that being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned...that you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned...that I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned...that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned...that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned...that simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned...that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned...that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned...that money doesn't buy class.

I've learned...that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned...that under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned...that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I've learned...that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned...that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned...that love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned...that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned...that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned...that there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I've learned...that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned...that life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned...that opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned...that when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned...that I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.

I've learned...that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned...that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned...that I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned...that when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned...that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned...that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.

I've learned...that the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

By Andy Rooney

My thinking is that this man, who was able to say so much in so few amount of words, died too young at the age of 92.  He was filled with the kind of wisdom that this generation of Americans could really use right now. 

You must have now arrived at those Pearly Gates... and incidentally why DO we have to WAIT there?  You're right Andy ... They knew we'd eventually show up, so why the waiting game?!   Anyway,  I would like to say to you one last time though before you go stand in line.....that our prayers are with you yes  - but also with your beloved family.  They were mighty kind to share you with rest of us for all of these years.  You could have retired 30 years ago... but Thank God you kept working.