parents Archives - CONSIDER THIS with Annette Petrick

Backstory

You’ve heard it. “70 is the new 60.” Some days, you don’t feel like it, but most of the time, it’s true. We’re living longer at a better pace. Our future in retirement may include cruises, studies, valuable volunteer work, even starting a new business. And yet, aging occurs, each and every day. How should sons and daughters react?

You’re Not the Boss of Me

I am surrounded by folks in retirement who have decided to enjoy their remaining years complete with all their elderly foibles. Here’s a message to all their sons and daughters and grandkids who may think them a bit strange.

On their behalf I ask: Whose business is it if I chose to read, or play on the computer until 4 am, or sleep until noon? I will dance by myself to Golden Oldies, and if I wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I know I am sometimes forgetful, but some of life is just as well forgotten. And eventually I remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken, but I won’t dwell on it. I am blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn grey. So many of my friends have been lost before the silver could take hold.

You know, youngsters, as you get older it’s easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. You allow yourself the right to please yourself. I don’t constantly question myself anymore. I’ve even earned the right to be wrong.

I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I’m not going to live forever; but while I’m still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been or worrying about what will be.

And I’ll be thankful, very thankful, every single day.

P.S.

So much more to this discussion – saved for another day.

[Show #522]

Backstory

This week’s radio show is a reminder of how baby boomers miraculously survived the perils of their childhoods. Did you ever realize how at-risk we were? Free wheeling daredevils who lacked the multiple safeguards bestowed on today’s kids. Let me know what you remember of your perilous upbringing.

Surviving Our Parents

Hey you kids out there, born and raised in the 40’s, 50’s or 60’s! Have you ever wondered how we managed to survive this far?

We were born to mothers who smoked or drank while they carried us. Our baby cribs were covered with bright-colored lead based paint. We had no child proof lids on medicine bottles or cabinets. We shared one soft drink among many friends and ate white bread and real butter. We spent pennies on candy and drinks that were pure sugar. But we stayed slim because we were always outside playing.

Boys got a BB gun for their 10^th birthday and nobody got their eye knocked out regardless of what your mom predicted. We rode our bikes without helmets, and hung our heads out car windows, untethered by seat belts. We even rode by the dozens in the open backs of pickup trucks whoopin’ and hollerin’ all the way to the swimming hole. And once there we swung by ropes from trees and dropped into the water wearing no water shoes.

Now, I’m not advocating this kind of fearless shenanigans. Just marveling at how we all survived them to tell about it. Things sure have changed.

But one thing is sure; kids, one day you will find that you survived your parents too!

Show #214