And now, A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney…
That wonderful introduction was to my favorite portion of CBS’ 60 Minutes program.
Andy Rooney, a one-time World War II correspondent for Stars and Stripes in London, shared his thoughts to millions of viewers each Sunday night from 1978 to 2011.
His 33 years of television satire and triviality resulted in 1,097 commentaries.
Rooney was also an excellent writer.
I found this Rooneyism gem on facebook during a recent browsing session.
It’s so genuine, I must share.
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… Sometimes all a person will need 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 spectacular.
I’ve learned… That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
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 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 life’s opportunities are never lost; someone just takes the ones you missed.
I’ve learned… That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I’ve learned… That I wish I could have told my mom that I love her one more time before she 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 when your newly born grandchild holds your
little finger in his little fist, you’re hooked for life.
I’ve learned… That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occur while you’re climbing it.
I’ve learned… That the less time I must work with, the more things I get done.
Andy Rooney passed away on November 4, 2011, at the age of 92.