HOW OLD IS GRANDPA?
One evening a grandson was talking to his
grandfather about current events. He asked what he
thought about the shootings at schools, the computer
age, and just things in general.
The granddad 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, air
conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers, well the
clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and man hadn't yet
walked on the moon.
Your grandmother 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. We were before gay-rights,
computer-dating, dual careers, day-care 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.
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 FM radios, tape decks, CDs,
electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing
earrings. We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny,
and the President's speeches on our radios. 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, and a Pepsi 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. How old do you think I am -
?
Take a guess before scrolling down...
This man would be only 59 years old.
Chris68
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff 
