To those of us who are aging, we find the world has changed in many ways and to a large degree. Do you remember what things were like "way back when"? The young people have left us behind with a different culture. I sometimes wonder what they think of us and what they have to say about us.
I have an email that I cannot give anyone credit for because it has no name on it, but I want to share it. It can cause us to remember what things might have been like, what we did or didn't do or how much we enjoyed those things. It also gives us a way to compare things as "they used to be" with things as they are today. I hope you will enjoy it.
"We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others. However, upon reflection, we would like to point out it was not the seniors who took the melody out of music, the pride out of appearance, the courtesy out of driving, the romance out of love, the commitment out of marriage, the responsibility out of parenthood, the togetherness out of family, the learning out of education, the service out of patriotism, the Golden rule from rulers, the Nativity scene out of cities, the civility out of behavior, the refinement out of language, the dedication out of employment, the prudence out of spending, the ambition out of achievement, and we certainly are not the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others.
"And we do understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought for and died for our country. Just look at the seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts as they stand at attention on Veterans Day and our great country's birthday.
"Yes, I'm a senior citizen. I'm the life of the party -- even if it lasts until 8 p.m. I'm very good at opening childproof caps -- with a hammer. I'm usually interested in going home before I get to where I am going. I'm awake many hours before my body allows me to get up. I'm smiling all the time because I can't hear a thing you are saying. I'm very good at telling stories -- over and over and over. I'm aware other people's grandchildren are not nearly as cute as mine. I'm so cared for -- long term care, eye care, private care, dental care. I'm not really grouchy, I just don't like traffic, waiting, crowds, lawyers, loud music, unruly kids, barking dogs, politicians and a few other things I can't seem to remember now. I'm sure everything I can't find is in a safe secure place, somewhere. I'm having trouble remembering simple words like -- ? I'm beginning to realize aging is not for wimps. I'm sure they are making adults much younger these days, and when did they let kids become policemen? I'm wondering if you're only as old as you feel, how could I be alive at 100? And, how can my kids be older than I feel sometimes? I'm a walking storeroom of facts -- I've just lost the key to the storeroom door.
"Yes, I'm a senior citizen and I think I am having the time of my life."
This article has a way of causing one to remember and compare with today. I hope you have enjoyed it. Isn't it great, at least up to now, to live in this country?
I have a few sayings I hope you will enjoy. They also come from emails with no name.
"I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose-fitting clothing. If I had any loose-fitting clothes, I wouldn't have signed up in the first place."
"Whan I was young, we used to go "skinny dipping." Now I just "chunky dunk."
"Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life, we could simply press 'Ctrl Alt Delete' and start all over."
"Why is it our children can't read a Bible in school, but they can in prison?"
"Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever."
"Why do I have to swear on the Bible in court when the Ten Commandments cannot be displayed in the same courtroom?"
"If a deaf child signs swear words, does his mother wash his hands with soap?"
"Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?"
"If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done?"
"Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?"
"Can atheists get insurance against acts of God?"