Andy Explained It All

Recently Andy Rooney, the curmudgeonly commentator who appeared for many years at the end of the CBS news magazine program 60 Minutes, had announced that he was planning to retire.  Perhaps it was time for that; after all, he was 92.
And then today came the news that, due to complications after minor surgery, Mr. Rooney has died.
Maybe he knew the Reaper was knocking.  That could be why he quit.  Or maybe he, at the age of 92, did not know outright that his number was nearly up, and he merely decided, out of a sense of prudence, or perhaps out of weariness, to lay down his work burdens and spend his remaining time with his family.  I don't know.  If the family keeps things private, none of us will ever know.

What I do know is that, though I never met Andy Rooney, he was to me, and to many others, like a trusted old friend, even like a grandfather who was unafraid to tell you just what he thought about most anything.  He was probably best known for complaining about everything, but then, there is room in this world for the bitter, the easily offended, the pessimists.  And then, Andy did at times move into the territory of the hopeful.  He did sometimes comment on the good in the world.  But only sometimes.
Andy Rooney spoke about the news, the world, and what was shaking up the popular culture at any given moment.  He was the grumpy voice of reason, or just the voice of the outraged older generation that didn't quite always like or understand how life and the world were changing.  Not everyone agreed with him all the time, but when he made a point that fit with your own feelings on a situation, life was good.
So rest in peace, Mr. Rooney (I feel I should be respectful now.)  I know, wherever you are, you're giving them a piece of your mind.