back from the east

this week is full of musing last week was full of snoozing. after returning from a visit with my elderly aunts the thought has accurd to me that when this generation of elderly die off there will be no one left to tell the stories of the great depression. what a tragedy. the youngsters being born today will only know of that term through history books and hearsay. they will have never sat at a dinner table across from one who suffered through the reality of a nation in poverty, wall street crashes, falling asleep hungry or not owning a pair of shoes. simple things like butter on bread for these children will always be expected. even though we (middle agers) have not experienced it we have at least heard the tales from real live people who have experienced the drudges of this event. as sad as these stories have made me feel over the years i have to say it is sadder to know they will not be available to the next generation to glean from. their is just some authenticity missing when events in history are merely recorded on the page rather than verbally comunicated and validated by the living. on this note i am sure i will continue to explore the many effects this loss will have on a society but for now i will just be thankful for the rich heritage of story after story that was reiterated over my years as a youth. yes, thankful for the influence that this event has had on my family and the effect i hope it has had on me. gratitude is taught and who will teach the next ones with such intensity as we have been taught. these folks have earned the title of the greatest generation by living through an era that our generation would probably turn into a reality show for entertainment. i have said enough on this subject for now. i would only ask that we pray to always be a grateful people and for ever be thankful for what we have.