The day found me back in my art room and opening files I haven't looked at in years. More memory lane moments as I photographed everything for future use or just to notate for our girls. Interestingly, there were several clippings about my dad in the military & then in the business world. Also there were other family members, and in this instance, neighbors of my grandparents, so all an interesting read. But this one staggered me...
Today people comment about how we no longer look as old as grandparents of friends when we were young. We exercise more, maybe eat better, and certainly live a more comfortable life style. Most no longer have large families either. So here is this couple on their 50th wedding anniversary... she just a year older than I am now! I have my hands full with four grandkids, and she had 39! And don't forget the few extra great grand-kids, too! Bless her heart! She would never have had time to take-and-post photos and sit at the computer of an evening writing to a few dozen friends. When you call it a day, say a prayer of appreciation for the "comfortable" (and "fun") lives we lead today!
So agree Louise! They certainly didn't need gyms and exercise classes back then. My husband and I made bread the other day and it was quite a project..but fun. We thought about how that was only one of many daily chores that had to be done back then. Thanks for the reminder!
@eyesmile Sincerely, Thank You Gena, for doing a little mental time travel back with me! Funny how much is understood without being in print when you see those numbers! (And like you, I love making bread, but it certainly takes time and is consumed fast!)
with my mum being as poorly as she is, I have spent a lot of time looking back. Her mind is back in the past and talks of family life before she was married. It is wonderful to remember these amazing people and the lives they lead and be thankful for what we have today. I haven't posted for a while again....mum fills my every day thinking. Photos are one again on the back burner! Thanks for the posting Louise.
Wonderful memories and you are right. Things are so much different these days. I would never be able to keep track of 14 children and 42 grandchildren. Amazing couple!
I am one of 33 grandchildren and I've lost count of the great grandchildren. I remember my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated 63 years together when my grandfather passed. He was in his late 80s. My grandmother, one of 7 herself and had 7 herself, lived to 94. I've always contended she lived that long bc she was so enjoying making the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren miserable. But, what do I know?
I often contemplate how today's mums would fill the days of 7 children without TV, Internet, bounce houses, McD's, and the like. Having time for themselves never really entered my mind. How could it? They had 7 children!
I think it's terrific you are taking the time to preserve memories for your children and grandchildren. I'm sure they appreciate it!
Times are sure different. Just thinking that my own mom is 20 years older than when her mom passed away. And she's in better than "fair health" (as referenced above!). A great share. You couldn't possibly almost be her age!
@danette Thanks, Danette! Just as everyone was aghast that you had sons of marriageable age, I'm only 4 mo shy of that milestone birthdate! I think we don't "feel it" because we grew up thinking that's was 70 would look like!
Louise, your really very eloquently said something that many people haven't thought of. Very nicely said and I couldn't agree more. Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday!
Definitely agree Louise. My mother is 95 but she lost 4 of her eight children,worked in menial jobs all her life but made sure we got educated and had a better chance than her.I doubt if I'll reach 95 and haven't had half her problems
Isn't this the truth. I see photos of my grand and great grand parents, especially the women, and they look much older than they really were. And this thought has always run through my mind when I look at women in these old photos -- Can you imagine just ironing all those long and fancy dresses the women used to wear. And I don't even iron anymore, period. And all the modern conveniences we have now. My grandmothers would be stunned.....
goodness! the lady started at 20-ish, had children until she was past 40 (and i'm putting a space in between each child)! whew! my spine just felt so very tired! :-D i remember the two old aunts of my father when we were growing up, they were our pseudo grandmothers. they looked old, acted old and talked old. when one died and her age was noted in the service program that she was only 68, i seriously thought it was a mistake because i was already in my 30's at the time so i thought she was already in her late 90's. these days, people hear the grandchildren call me grandmother and they do a double take, especially when i chase them at the park!
@summerfield Thanks for doing the math, Vikki! I'm with you on every point, See the exchange between Danette and me... While I'm less nimble than I used to be, I can still hold my own and hope to do so for some time yet! And you...Keep running and chasing the grands! We KNOW that's good for us!
I often contemplate how today's mums would fill the days of 7 children without TV, Internet, bounce houses, McD's, and the like. Having time for themselves never really entered my mind. How could it? They had 7 children!
I think it's terrific you are taking the time to preserve memories for your children and grandchildren. I'm sure they appreciate it!