Christmas 2008 is behind us, and I'm relieved. It was the first without my Mom, Virginia, and George's Mom, Oda -two strong women who outlived their husbands and siblings and hung on to life until the ripe age of 88.
Both Virginia and Oda were plagued with numerous ailments throughout their lives. Oda was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 40 and Virginia lived the last years of her life without a colon and a left leg, but they were the linchpins that held families together. Now that they are gone my generation is the oldest and that's a very sobering thought.
When I think of all the changes in the world - in morals - in technology - in transportation - in medicine - in general knowledge - that our mothers experienced in their 88 years of life, it's mind boggling.
Will we measure up to the Great Depression and WWII generation of our parents? Do we have the determination and single-mindedness of heart and mind necessary to mentor younger generations and inspire them to become better people and thus make the world more livable for everyone? It's a big order. Hope we're up to it.
Courage!
Jolyn
