| One evening a son was talking to his father about current events. He asked what he thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.
The dad replied, "Well, let me think a minute....I was born before television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees and the pill.
There was no radar, credit cards, laser beams or ball-point pens. Man had not invented pantyhose, dishwashers, clothes dryers, (clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air) electric blankets, air conditioners, and he hadn't walked on the moon.
Your Mom and I got married first-and then lived together.
Every family had a father and a mother, and every boy over 14 had a rifle that his dad taught him how to use and respect. And they went hunting and fishing together.
Until I was 25, I called every man older than I, 'Sir.' And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, 'Sir.'
Sundays were set aside for going to church as a family, helping those in need, and visiting with family or neighbors. (I miss that most)
We were before computer-dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy. Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense.
We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions. And groups who taught these principles, such as the Boy Scouts of America, were held in the highest regard.
Serving your country was a privilege; living here was a bigger privilege.
We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent.
Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft-dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started.
Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends-not purchasing condominiums.
We never heard of color TV, FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings and necklaces.
We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radio. And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey.
If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan' on it, it was junk.
The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam.
Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.
We had 5 & 10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents.
Ice cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, a soda, and a 75-cent candy bar were all a nickel.
And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, but who could afford one? Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.
In my day, 'grass' was mowed, 'coke' was a cold drink, 'pot' was something your mother cooked in, and 'rock music' was your grandmother's lullaby.
'Aids' were helpers in the Principal's office, 'chip' meant a piece of wood, 'hardware' was found in a hardware store, and 'software' wasn't even a word.
And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby.
No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap...and I am only 52 years old.
-- Author Unknown, 2001
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