I’m proud to be a baby boomer, and as such, feel that my generation has lived their youth in exciting times. We were young when the Beatles and Elvis burst onto the scene. We lived our childhoods with stay-at-home moms, fathers who loved their families above all else, the freedom as children to walk to a friend’s house, or to school, without the fear of being abducted, and neighbors who actually knew and cared about each other. Our families would pack a lunch, and go on picnics after church on Sunday. We spent quality family time with each other, and enjoyed a close-knit family/friend life. Our lives weren’t complicated, we weren’t afraid to play and dance with complete abandon! We were teens when Motown emerged, and we all rocked with the best of them! Yes, we were young during the ’60s, a time of growth and change. It was truly, the best of times.
We raised our children under the new rules, spent time with them, and taught them to be open-minded and creative, and to respect all people, in all walks of life. We were involved in their lives, and encouraged them to grow and think for themselves. As women, we were told we deserved more, and every facet of the media screamed that we could “have it all, do it all,” and we believed we could. We loved our families, made good homes, pursued careers, broke through the “glass ceiling,” and paved the way for our daughters to be able to have a career in any field they chose. We did everything we could to have the best of both worlds, and make our lives the “best” ever. Yes, things were changing, and times were exciting, that’s for sure!
But, all changes aren’t necessarily good. Now, as I look at my precious grandchildren, and marvel at what great parents they have, I really feel the impact the world has on them. My children didn’t have to worry about drive-by shootings, home invasions, abductions or carjackings, they had the opportunity, as did I, to just be children and relish their childhood days. Children today have lost their innocence, they are aware of the evil in the world, and their parents must be diligent, day and night, to do everything they can to keep that evil at bay. Their childhoods have been compromised, and they don’t have the opportunity to be as carefree as my children were, or as my generation was, and that’s such a sad thing.
A number of years ago, I heard a song written by a fellow boomer, reflecting on her parents, and although I don’t remember all the words, the chorus stuck with me. The song told the story of a couple, growing and aging over the years, and as they remembered their lives together, the phrase “when we were beautiful” was used to refer to themselves when they were younger. At the time, this was a little heart tugging to me, but I didn’t really connect to it … I hadn’t yet arrived at that stage of my life.
