The world of today is so much different from the world I remember as a child. Adults tried to tell me that I was living the best years of my life, but I found it ridiculously hard to believe. Now I’m not ready to live the rest of my life in the past, but I can appreciate my childhood more today than before.
I realize change is inevitable (except from a vending machine) and it’s also true that time waits for no one. But it seems as though we are racing through life trying to obtain, possess and upgrade. It appears that most of us are in such a hurry and filled with worry. Now that seems problematic to me.
It doesn’t take a genius (maybe it takes a therapist) to realize our fast pace and materialist culture is contributing to our stress and worry. But how do we digress to a simpler time? Perhaps we could declare a truce between the “haves” and the “have more,” you know, no more keeping up with the Joneses. Or maybe we could focus on what is important. I have spent time and money on things that seemed to matter only to discover those things didn’t matter.
In truth I believe I know the answer to getting our nation back on track but I shudder to think it, let alone mention it; catastrophe. If we were to suddenly find ourselves in an economic depression or a world war such as those living in the 1930s and ’40s experienced we would see many things in a different light. Our priorities would be quickly revealed to us, as would the real definition of stress and worry. The family unit and faith would be strengthened and our desire for luxury would give way to survival and necessity.
I am a boomer, born between 1946 and 1964 in the economic and social boom after World War II. Boomers’ best childhood memories have been replaced with technology and social changes. For example I remember all families had a female mother and male father and the moms were home usually without a car unless Dad carpooled. As children we played with other children, not with electronic devices. We ate, as a family, what Mom prepared from scratch, not from a microwaveable pouch.
Watching television was a family event, primarily because there was only one set per household; therefore we watched what Mom and Dad wanted to watch. We had three stations to choose from without a monthly cable bill, profanity or nudity. Many of the shows were televised live, and all broadcasting ended at 1 a.m. right after playing the Star Spangled Banner.
Water came from a faucet, music was played over a radio, mathematics were performed without calculators, letters were typed with a typewriter, information was obtained from encyclopedias, families took joy rides, and there was always time for a Sunday afternoon nap.
It seems today we make more money so we can pay for the things that used to be considered free; cable television, bottled water, SiriusXM radio, etc. Who has time to watch television anyway, but most of us have to have it all! Our lifestyle has progress but haven’t the best things in life always been free?
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tonight, Friday at 7:30 p.m. the football team plays Minster on our home turf and before the game St. Denis Church is offering tenderloin dinners from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in their basement.
Also tonight and Saturday night is the Massacre Mill Haunted Trail from 8 p.m.-midnight. Massacre Mill is located at the corner of U.S. 127 and Reed Road, Ansonia.
Saturday is Sweetest Day and mark your calendar next Sunday, Oct. 28, Trick or Treat will be held from 2-4 p.m. in Versailles
Happy birthday to Kate Simmons, Cheryl Fine, Kaylin Richard, Eric Behlke, Nicci Keiser, Carolyn Smith, Kathy Hoelscher, Mariah Poeppelman, Shyann McKenna, Kay Dapore, Megan Subler, Pat Crowell, Karen Burt, Erin Horst, Sara Lester, Danielle Myers, Kevin Crawford, Pat Hubler, Jeanine Davidson, Donna Monnin, Connie McEldowney, Susan Kunk, Ginger Brubaker, Tom Donnelly, Art Boring, Dale Borchers, Sharon Monnin, Hillary Holzapfel, Jordan Lewis, Ericka Berman, Eli Cornett, and Carley Holzapfel as their special day approaches as well as, anniversary wishes to Kevin and Michele Henninger (9), Emily and Rick Clark (14), Ashlee & John Rogers (15), Penny and Chad Treon (16), Tara and Dan George (17), Carly and Josh Bolin (23), Lori and Doug Davidson (25), Sol and Joe Bulcher (26), Vicki and Ed Ruhe (29), Angie and Matt Arnold (33), Reyna and Jerry Shardo (36), Karen and John Shardo (38), Joann and Larry Wagner (40), Ruth and Dick Pierron (52), and Linda and Dick Kinninger (55).
Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Bernie Frantz, Mike McClurg, Paul Shimp, Beverly Burt, Fr. Ron Haft, Jackson Winner, Jerilyn Monnin, Fr. John White, Kellie Gehret, Shirley Tapp, Becca Pohl Liette, Jane Meier, Dean Kreitzer, Jim Kelch, Scarlet Unrast, Jenni Meyer, John Brandt, Donna Apple, Alice Luthman, Michelle Sherman, Richard Pierron, Miriam Harman, Patricia Borchers, Bob Miller, Iona Gariety, Loretta Bey, Steve Bey, Aiden Myers, Angie Keiser, Paul Dapore, Rose Mary and Jerry Paulus, Cyril Frantz, Carol Laub, Peggy and Jack Borgerding, Earl Gigandet, Ruth Wirrig, Marge Prakel, Mary Batty, Dave Magoto, Norma Magoto, Betty Kremer, Virginia Smith, Mary Huelskamp, Anabelle Subler, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Eileen Rahm, Samantha Smith and those not mentioned by name who are recuperating, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers.
Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Joseph Berger (80) and James Dull (81). Also remembering the lives of Kelley Wendeln, Debra Hoelscher, and Myron Sharp, Richard Dershem, Lester Linebaugh, Dan Norris, Warren Davis, Joe Schmitmeyer, Denny Petitjean, Frances Williams, Ruth Brown, Marie Meinerding, Nancy Heitkamp, Paul Barga and all our friends and family not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing nears.
“Childhood is the most beautiful of all life’s seasons.” ~Unknown
“In the happiest of our childhood memories our parents were happy too.” ~Robert Brault
“Always keep the simple and loving heart of your childhood” ~Unknown
