Meet My Generation … The Silent Generation

 

 

I’m one of the last members of the “Silent Generation” still able to remember and share events of the “Great Depression” and growing up as a teenager in World War II, with a favorite uncle serving in the Army. My desire is to share with those who missed the finer points of this era of life. Thus, my book shares my adventures and ahas: What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? It touches on life in that time–the good, the bad, the ugly and survival of all.

 

There were so many lessons learned on the battlefield of life by keeping your wits about you; and facing and surviving the challenges presented. Many of my peers of this generation have passed on. Others have lost the ability to tell about it. I’m still here and what you will read; what you will hear from me when you hear me speak will continue with their voices … and mine.

 

Alzheimer’s, though it’s always been there, is now more recognized and personally faced by a three in one ratio. Kind of scary—One in three will personally face the demons of dementia, while the other two struggle to take care of the afflicted. It’s not a pretty picture to paint for future generations. It’s a picture of exhaustion, frustration, and expenses—meaning money. Professionals are trying to find a cure–a most difficult task and one quite frustrating. With hope in heart, a portion of my book sales will be donated to Alzheimer’s search for the cure. Many friends have suffered as caregivers of loved ones. It’s a heartbreaking, difficult task and too frequently the caregiver is lost before the patient because of the stress it causes.

 

As the caregiver of the man in my life who was lost to diabetes before “Early Onset” dementia claimed him, I sought help through support groups and doctors. There are books available. My favorite which I recommend is The 36 Hour Day, available on Amazon and frequently up-dated with the latest information available. I have learned of another wonderful book for the caregivers of this illness. My Life Rearranged by Susan Miller is a great support tome. Add it to your library of “Life Savers.”

 

 

 

The members of the Silent Generation were born from 1928-1945–I, in 1932. I’ve been very fortunate to have survived a lotta stuff and hope sharing it with you will encourage you to smooth out the bumps that come along in life and keep you trekking. Too many folks give up too soon. Like Auntie Mame proclaimed in the movie of that name, “Life is a banquet and a lot of poor souls are starving to death.”

 

Think about it! What’s your fondest dream/goal in life? And most important: Why haven’t you pursued it? No time better’n today to shoot for the stars. If you end up in the Milky Way, you’re better off than landing in the weeds of despair. What have you got to lose by trying? The world awaits you!

 

I was born, as were my parents and grandparents, in a friendly little town in the very heart of America–Junction City, Kansas. I’m 4th of eight generations there, with many still happily living the good lives of our forebearers and contributing to the good of all.

 

I think I was born with “sand in my shoes,” … curious about what was going on beyond yon hill. I needed  to know if I were missing something and set out to find out. My journey of 88 years has taken me on a fabulous quest. I’ve had heartaches and tribulations, zestful experiences, and plenty of learning curves. I’ve met the greatest people in the world and still call them friends. A piece of each of them lives in a special room in my heart and I’ve gained such joy just knowing them. To have a friend, one must first be one. The lowly turtle would never have gotten anywhere without sticking his neck out.

 

I’ve lived abroad eleven years and circled the globe four times. I was not rewarded with children of my own in the natural anatomical manner. Oh, but I have several daughters, sons and grans. And friends who have shared theirs with me. They have each added special joy to my personal world. We needed each other! And always will.

 

When we returned to Germany from years in Thailand and Okinawa, Yvonn came into my life. She was seven when we first met, a little German neighbor girl, who came into my life when I painted a life size Santa on my door in the mountain village of Taunusstein Hahn.

 

When we returned to the USA, Yvonn’s Mom brought her to me for a three month stay to pick up the language. That three months stretched to over a year. She graduated from my old high school; made many lifetime friends and most importantly, made my Mom a Grandmother! She’s flown Lufthansa as a flight attendant for many years and is now in her 50’s. Regularly, she comes to visit as often as she can and communicates daily via text and email. My mother loved her German Granddaughter! And she her!

 

Then, there’s my darling “daughter” Jennifer, whose 50th Birthday we’ve just celebrated. She gifted me with two of the cutest, smartest granddaughters the world has beheld. Both graduated with highest honors last year, Madison from college and Hannah from High School. Hannah was added to life by my encouragement. As an only child, did not wish Madi to have the loss of experience a sibling, something that I never had. They are BFF’s and love each other so much. I proudly attended all celebrations, including Madi’s adorable Star Wars themed wedding. She has a great job on the East Coast with her darling man. Both girls were so supportive during Jennifer’s bout with cancer and divorce. What a gift to the world and me they are!

 

And, of course my “Grandson” Adam. He and his mom volunteered to help me clear out a storage room in my home and carry stuff to the Salvation Army. Dad Scott even got involved building a fence with Adam for our shelter dog and my man Stan’s walking pal, Blacky. Mom Nancy had Blacky flown from Salt Lake City by “Dog is my co-pilot,” and we were housing him ‘til a home could be found for the big fella–a 111 pound border collie/Great Pyrenees. Blacky was a big fella!

 

Meanwhile, our last Sheltie passed and Blacky convinced us he was ready to fill the gap. While helping me, Adam asked Nancy if she thought it would be alright to ask me to be his Grandma. Her answer: “Ask her!” In a New York nano-second, I not only got a wonderful smart grandson but a darling Bonus Daughter and Bonus Son. And now, a Bonus Dog to live with me. I had been friends of Adam’s original grandparents before we lost them.

 

Life has been so good to me. Friends are the best gifts one can give oneself. Don’t cut yourself short. Life is full of positive happiness if you just open yourself up to it! It’s a win-win all the way!

 

Life is full of humor if you just seek it; recognize it and share it with others. My angel mother used to say, “From the day you ride in a carriage ‘til the day you ride in a hearse, there’s nothing quite so bad but what it couldn’t be worse.”

 

Enjoy my journey. I have.

 

 

MY FOOD for THOUGHT

Love and compassion are the essential necessities of life. Never think of them as a luxury. If you do, you won’t survive the ups and downs that life delivers … nor will anyone else.