Learn from your past...

Greetings! My family and I are the newest addition to the culture of the "generational sandwich." My husband and I are raising kids while taking care of an elderly parent. I believe each generation can teach things to each other that are true , funny, and relevant.





I heard something on the local radio the other day. Many Americans were distressed about the mortgage crises that caused a domino effect of home foreclosures, job losses, negative effects on Wall Street. The guest on the radio show had stated that the current economic crises was based upon the Depression of the 1930s. The children of that era had experienced hunger like never before, lack of clothes, and a warm place to sleep. The children grew to adults who vowed never to have their children live in lack. The 1950s were fueled by a time of idealism, and entitlement, dare I say the birth of a culture of greed. Critics say this contributed to the sentiment that every American deserved a white picket fence, a dream home, and the latest toy for their kids.



I think what the gentleman had to say, was a bit of a stretch. I am not an expert in economics or the 1950s. It definitely defined that time period was not just bubblegum and roses. The civil rights movement was turning from a mere whimper, to an angry growl towards the end of the decade. Children were practicing drills in school from fear of being bombed by the enemy.



Bottom line is, I am not saying the 1950s were perfect....but this middle of the century decade was a defining moment of American idealism . I would like to incorporate in this blog some nuggets from that era and how it bridges the gap between two lifetimes.



Mrs. O