Am I Old….Really?
We live on a block and in a neighborhood of younger individuals and families, different than our 78 and 73. We speak and wave in driveways or dog walking, as we come and go in our daily lives. I often want to ask one of the younger ones to join me on front porch or meet for iced tea or coffee. I have not.
My belief, with no information, is the younger ones think of me as too old, disconnected from their lives, nothing to contribute. So, the gap in generations, of the younger and those not, continues. I know I am "less than" by not finding my way to reach across, to connect with those not knowing JFK or memories of MLK.
I am still here, speaking, waving to the younger, and those not.
Could it be that our generation raised on “to be seen and not heard unless spoken to” had followed us into our mid and late 70s. An X, Y, Z generation that knows nothing of this – more self-focused. I marveled at my Grandpa’s stories, his experiences his teaching. I have no answer here, I wonder the same thing. Waving at you, Roy, from my porch to yours.
It’s hard to find a balance, especially when there is no visible scale. I started a front yard “community” garden and got a few takers in conversation, and a few who even contributed to the garden’s success. But, damn, that’s a lot of work with very little return.
The decision “to engage” comes with its own ups and downs. But, I am a healthier me by connections with others, even the young ones.
great thoughts Roy.. reach out, across, don’t hold back.. some attempts will be cold shouldered.. but not all will be.. never know.. your next best neighborhood friend might be that old soul hiding out in the long hair with a Samantha Fish T-shirt.. ( she is a young blues artist playing a mean guitar).. let your soul shine Roy!!