Memories of days gone by

Every so often without warning, a long ago and far away memory pops up to bring back feelings that have hibernated for decades. That song that reminds you of the first time you fell in love, the time you said the worst possible thing at the worst possible time, meeting the parents of the girl (or boy) you’d like to know better, a teacher that made you think there might be some hope for you after all, and a lot of other things you wish you had done differently…better.

The weather lately has brought to mind a picture of Dad welding and erecting clothes line poles for Mom, and how red her hands were after hanging out the wash in the winter. It’s been a few years since I’ve even seen clothes line posts decorating a back yard. Let alone being used in winter.

Then I started thinking about the many things that were seen as new blessings for modern living such as a real refrigerator instead of our old icebox. I can still remember emptying the water from the catch drawer of our icebox before the iceman would put a new block of ice in the drawer. Everybody had an ice pick to make sure that the ice would fit in the box. Are there still ice picks around anywhere but in old time murder mysteries?

Boys took vocational courses in woodworking and auto mechanics, and girls took home economics and office practices. Boys played sports and girls had GAA (Girls Athletic Activities) and pep squads of course. Moms forced their sons to learn ball room dancing – waltz, fox trot, etc. – but no self-respecting boy would ever dare to ask any of the young ladies to dance in fear of the awful possibility of rejection. There were no lessons dealing with that problem.

Yes, society was definitely different. Culture has changed, but the more I have a chance to talk to this younger generation about things that matter like character, honesty, respectful relationships, attitude, and other intangibles, the more I come away impressed by the good sense they show, and their openness to talk about life’s many problems.

Oh sure, occasionally it’s eye-rolling time, but then I remember some of the things my generation proclaimed and opined about…this new generation is going to be all right. Mom and Dad, you’re doing okay, so keep it up.

After all, there were those who thought your parents were doing a terrible job, and look how you turned out!