The Lost Boys

I had the most pleasant converstion yesterday with a former colleague of mine. We met 10 years ago, working together in Santa Ana. At the time he was working full time and studying to obtain his teaching credential to teach high school math. With perseverance, dedication and a lot of hard work, he is 3 weeks away from completing his student teacher & will begin looking for a full time teaching position. I admire him because he did this while getting married, having 2 children and maintaining a positive relationship with his spouse and his friends. While listening, he conveyed with enthusiasm his process, although trying at times, it was rewarding and he would not have changed a thing. He attributed his success mostly to his wife, who stood by him, even when things seemed neverending.

Refreshing to see that there are men in their late 30s who are committed to what life has to offer. In the past few years, I've witnessed a few "gentlemen" who "poo-poo" the concept of being a "well-adjusted" adult. I like to call it the "Peter Pan Syndrome", the lost boys content on living in Neverland. For them, each day passes without responsibility, no thoughts for the future or the past; just the here and now. Sure, they have jobs, friends, even relationships, but within that scope, they live for themselves in the present! Warning to those who become involve in their world; for you see you really are not. The lost boys don't really share their secret society with those unsuspected souls. For you see, they can exist for a small period time in our world, but they at some point go back to frolick in their land of unreasonable bliss.

I discussed this subject with my colleague, he too has seen an influx of this type of behaviour among his male friends in recent years. Perplexed glances exchanged between us and the bubble appeared over both our heads. Why is it? Maybe they had to grown up too fast for various reasons and now as they approach 40, they want to recapture their youth. Isn't that what Holden Caulfield wanted in the "Catcher in the Rye"? Wait, he was a youth, so it might work for him. I digress. Is it some sort of pre-mid life crisis? We did not have any reasons to satisfy the question. We just know one too many of these "lads" and wonder where will their lives be in the future. Oh yeah, they are not thinking about the future.

As the colleague and I parted ways, I smiled knowing, that he was not a "lost boy" and that whatever he chooses to do next...there will be a future for him! I appreciate he sharing his time and thoughts. I now believe again!