Sunday 29 July 2012

An Easy Sunday Read.

I found this on the internet and thought is was really interesting. It really puts things into perspective, and shows just how much we have grown but also just how much things have changed.

"How Old is grandma?"

One evening  a grandson was talking to his grandmother about current events. The grandson asked his grandmother what she thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general..

The Grandmother replied, "Well, let me think a minute, 

I was born before:
' television
' penicillin
' polio shots
' frozen foods
' Xerox machines
' contact lenses
' Frisbees and
' the pill 

There were no:
' credit cards
' laser beams or
' ball-point pens
Man had not invented:
' pantyhose
' air conditioners
' dishwashers
' clothes dryers
' and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and
' space travel was only in Flash Gordon books.


Your Grandfather and I got married first, .. .... ... and then lived together..
Every family had a father and a mother.
Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, "Sir".
And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, "Sir."
We were before gay-rights, computer-dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy.
Our lives were governed by the The Bible, 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 in this country was a bigger privilege...
We thought fast food was eating half a biscuit while running to catch the school bus.

Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft dodgers were those who closed front doors as 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 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 Ford 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? I bet you have this old lady in mind....you are in for a shock! Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at the same time.



Are you ready ?????



This woman would be only 59 years old.


One month ago today, on June 29th my grandmother passed away at 94 years old. It was the first time I ever lost a family member and someone close to me. My grandfather is still alive and they had just celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary.
After reading this story above I couldn't help but think about all the changes my grandparents had went through. My Grandma was born in 1918.... Thats crazy! They lived through so many incredible eras- the best if you ask me. 

On my mothers side, I still have both grandparents. My grandfather fought in WW2 and the stories he tells are surreal. He lost his best friend in that war, and named his first son after him.

Not really sure where this post is going, but as I write I can't help but get emotional. I miss my grandma, feel sorry for my grandpa, and I miss my family. 

Growing up we were all so close. We did family vacations, family reunions, Sunday dinners... 
Don't get me wrong, we are all still very close, but as everyone grows older and starts their own families, the tree's branches start spreading further and further apart.

Flying back home to NY for my Grandmas funeral and being around all of my family was such a feeling of " home ", even though it wasn't an ideal circumstance. 

To me, family is #1, and although we are all spread out all over the place and don't see each other as much as we all would like, they are and will always be my family, and for that I am so grateful to have.



Family <3

The 2 Jennifers LOL.

My Uncle Rob and my 2 beautiful cousin Carley and Hailey
My Brother Steven
Me and my Aunt Jilly


My yorkie Jasmin

I love this picture of them. My grandpa wasn't well and was in the hospital , and my gram came to see him. He looks so happy

My mothers parents. Still together and still in love.

Mothers Day Dinner <3

3 generations <3

My mom and I
My Dad and I, Father Daughter dance <3


Cousins on my fathers side

Me and my beautiful cousin Nicole


This is my Aunt Theresa.. and she is actually standing here. LOL Very little


How cute are they. 74 years together.

My aunt Patty and Uncle Bob

Showing my gram pictures from my wedding. She lived in Florida and could not travel to NY to attend :(

One side of my big Italian family on my wedding day.

Their wedding day and cake to celebrate 74 years later

What an amazing cook my grandma was.

Visiting my grandparents in Fl.

This was the last time I got to see my gram in person, Thank god for Skype and FaceTime .
I love you grandma and think about you everyday



The moral of this post,


xoxo
Jennifer

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