Forty years of lighting the way

By N.A. Booko

Siler City, NC – It was 1972 when I moved to my present location in Chatham County. I can’t say that everything I had in my house back then is still working. But I can say it about one 100 watt light bulb. It is in my bedroom, in an overhead fixture. I remember the day I put it in. If I remember putting it in, that makes it a memorable day. It was just an ordinary 100 watt bulb. Nothing special. But then again, it is special, because it still works. I can’t say that about a lot of things.

Photo by Omer Sonido

I will go so far as to say it is an electronic milestone. Imagine that! I am the proud owner of an electric milestone. I have no idea what I will do the day my little light bulb no longer beams that warm cheerful silvery shimmering light from above. Shimmering light? Perhaps I’ll use that description if I ever write about my light’s extraordinary life span.

I’m not saying it shines without an occasional flickering or sometimes it does have a very low hummmm; almost sing-songie. If one is clever setting sounds to music, I think this is one that could be the sound track for a hummmm movie. I think the monotone monotony would serve well. I could go to sleep just listening to it, but dang, I can’t sleep with the light on.

Oh, don’t remind me. I know the day will come when I will no longer have my old faithful 100 watt bulb.

That’s a dark thought.