Frank Sinatra And Me

Leave it to Frank Sinatra whose rendition of the songs “It Was A Very Good Year” and “I Did It My Way” all embodied, exemplified, and personified the character within me. Though not intentionally my whole life seemed to revolve around key elements related in each musical score. From the time I was 17 to today each decade could relate to the lyrics of those songs.

Just like that Frank Sinatra’s songs became my life’s reality. When I think back when I was 17 that summer, my coming of age season, I was the Lifeguard at Conference Point Camp on the shores of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Little did I realize the events that would take place that season would have such a profound affect on me that shaped my personality to what I was to become. “When I was 17 it was a very good year for small town girls and soft summer nights. We’d hide from the lights.” So true to my life’s actual events. There was this girl who managed to steal my heart back then. Inseparable till that fateful day when she left. So devastated only made me realize that strength of character is more important than physical strength. That inner strength would be tested when I turned 21.

When I turned 21, ” It was a very good year for city girls who lived up the stair with perfumed hair that came undone when I was 21.” Again, just like that those lyrics mirrored the events, when I was 21. If it wasn’t for my inner strength of my character against almost insurmountable odds and objections from my parents, for love, that city girl and I embarked on the perilous journey of life together. A grand love of a decade of shared joys, anguish, then sorrow when alone again, I became.

When I was 35 it was, again a good year. I had found myself with a woman who infused a quiet temperament within my soul. “When I was 35 we’d ride in limousines.” Then with her passing, alone again, I became. A destiny predetermined, fate, or just the circumstances to which I found myself in. It had seemed that which each passing decade again “It was a very good year.”

From the time I reached my early teens I had found my life’s direction by relating to a quote by William Ernest Henley. If it wasn’t Frank Sinatra this more than anything really solidified and shaped my character. “I am the captain of my ship. I am the master of my soul.” If ever a quote the shaped my destiny this was it. A resiliency, a perseverance, and self reliance engulfed my very soul that has sustained my whole existence. Through-out the rest of my life I can truly say that in each facet I actually “Did it my way.” Good old Frank Sinatra, a lifetime of moments parallel by two musical scores and a most memorable quote.

” Now the days grow short, I’m in the autumn of the year and I think of my life as vintage wine.” I personally am fond of a 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. That was, a good year, for French wine. I’m now content that the events of my life were each met with the same determination and resolve whether I succeeded or not. Sure, there were failures personally, athletically, and some during my careers but non the less I managed to persevere and actually did, do it my way. Here’s to you, Frank Sinatra.