My children are not like me. They understand electronics. That’s a good thing! They don’t go to church. That’s a bad thing. They eat food from foreign countries. That is a questionable thing.
Maybe it will just take time for them to get more like me. After all, I turned into my mother when I was about 55 years old. My father called me “A girl of tomorrow.” Well, I’ve become a lady of yesterday.
Shall we speak of grandchildren?
They are not even like their parents. Where were they raised? I thought I was watching.
Rings in their noses, tattoos, guys with long hair. Thank goodness they are well educated and smart, so they can earn a living. There is hope for one granddaughter. She bought her own house and did not hang her eight-foot octopus picture. But she does like funny-colored hair.
Two other granddaughters are definitely the new generation. One is a chemical engineer and works in a steel factory. Where did all that come from? But she’s married to a regular guy and is raising little girls. That’s a good thing.
While I’m at it, the only other granddaughter is an emergency technician and drives an ambulance.
When did they start letting women do that? Oh where is my head? Queen Elizabeth drove one during WWII. “Right on, Meredith, keep up the good work!” I say.
I hesitate to mention sex, but that would be like ignoring the elephant in the room. Let’s just say that we older folks are quick to learn and adapt to change when we understand the subject.
Back to food, a safer subject.
Poor sweet little English peas are not the favorite now … collard greens and kale are in.
And no more rice unless it is hidden under black beans and tofu. When were black beans invented, anyway?
I still grieve for our lost cafeterias with all that beautiful food lying out for the selection. Now, most of the food is raw and is just piled on top of each other.
And where have all the pretty dresses gone? I do miss neat dressing. Men have ruled nations in navy blue sport coats. They shouldn’t give them up. Blue jeans and T-shirts now rule the scene.
Some of the younger women seem to be caught in a fabric shortage. Who knew women had such long legs? I must try to rise above this narrow outlook and love the nice people in their poor outfits.
I do want to praise my children for being so open-minded and tolerant. They accept people from different cultures and lifestyles. They are not petty, critical, or judgmental. I am quick to judge someone’s appearance, their weight and even the shoes they wear to Walmart. That is not a good thing and my children don’t allow it. Let’s say they are intolerant of intolerance. But they do think they know the correct politics and have no respect for a different political opinion. Since I usually agree, that is OK!
We all know that change and progress, new and different is going to happen and we learn to take the good with the bad. We all can name a multitude of new things we live with and love. If we did not grow and change we might still be living in caves or swinging from limb to limb. Don’t take away my computer or my cell phone and keep those planes flying. If we keep at it, maybe we can figure out how to stop wars. I do hope I live long enough to see this new generation just a little bit shocked at things that come after them. But they will probably be true to form and either not even notice or love any new wackiness. But for now, just let me gripe and moan a little for the old happy ways I remember with the rosy glow of time.
Jeanette Smith, 95, a Blythewood resident, has been active in the community’s civic affairs for over 50 years.
