Psst...Look in Your Grandparents' Closet

A recent little human interest-type story broke about a man leaving behind a 1969 Shelby GT500 (think "Gone in 60 Seconds"). He left it behind because he died. He died without leaving it to anyone in his will. He also had several other relatively untouched vehicles. The Mustang hotrod had 8,500 miles on it. Practically brand spankin' new.

From here, indulge me to speculate.

I am bothered by the disinterest this current and previous generation finds in the much older generations. This is not directed to everyone, because I am in the current and previous generation and I have taken great interest in the older generations: i.e. my grandparents.

I am not patting myself on the back. But on the other hand (actually, with the other hand), I am patting myself on the back.

I wrote an article a while back for my former employer about how to dress like a "Mad Men" character on the cheap. The idea was to storm your parents' or grandparents' closet. The older the better.

People have scoured the countryside, sailed the oceans and seas, and climbed the mountains in search of treasure. In search of gold. In search of the most precious of things. Funny how that idea is usually only connected with the Kodiak or the California Gold Rush. Rest assured, treasure is right under your nose.

I loved my Papaw. I also loved his suits. While he was alive, I began to ask him about certain shirts he was no longer wearing and he gave them to me. Soon I graduated to his suits. He would give me one every so often. When he passed away, I, due to my previous and continual interest, was given dibs on those suits. I still have them. I have had most of them fitted. My bespoke tailor also appraised them at $1,500 apiece. Yes. That's right! $1,500!

So, take a moment to think about about this man who passed away with a $100,000 car sitting forever in his garage, not being used or even looked at. It sat. Alone. In a garage that sat in much the same way.

Even if this man had no children, did he not have any friends? Did not the younger generation take interest in him? Isn't it a shame?

Does anyone remember the movie "The Sandlot"? Of course, you do. Everyone does. The neighbor with the huge dog was viewed as a scary old man who fed children to his pet. After the greatest chase ever, it was discovered that he was a former baseball player, blinded by an errant pitch. The kids would have never known this had they not hit, unwittingly, a Babe Ruth-signed baseball over his fence.

Some people may come across like an old ogre, but you would be surprised how many of these people just want someone to talk to and let them know about the lives they have lived. Rest assured, their lives are probably a lot more interesting than your social media dominated life.

I dare you to take the time to lift open the garage door, pull open the closet door, or engage that generation in conversation. You would be completely surprised at the treasure you would find. Trust me, there is gold in them hills.