Comments on: 3 Generations

By: KT

KT — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:51:03 +0000

I love this post and second everyone’s sentiments on it’s beauty.

My take is this:
I hope things change so much that my future son will wheel me around the house on a cot, do all my chores, and spoon feed me… all while I’m still healthy and perfectly capable of taking care of myself.

Payback, bitches.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:59:57 +0000

It’s definitely interesting to analyze your family history and see what kind of background your parents and grandparents came from, especially because it affects the way you’re brought up so much, even if there are a lot of differences between the generations. In fact, that often has a lot to do with it, because wish for more opportunities for their children than they had, and it’s important to recognize cycles of negativity in your family and break that. The shift from one generation to the next is amazing, and it’s great to see it move in such a positive direction. It’s also nice to see you take none of it for granted, and are aware of the hardships your grandmother faced in contrast with how great your relationship with your father is. Very thoughtful post.

By: Kahea

Kahea — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:41:08 +0000

it’s always incredibly enlightening to listen to the stories of our grandparents and then to think of our own stories. it’s interesting to see how some things have changed as generations go by, while others may not have changed as much as we thought.

have you ever thought of recording your grandmother when she talks about her childhood? i began doing that with my grandfather a few years ago, and it’s been an amazing to know that i’ll always be able to hear his history, in his words, in his voice. it’s also just a great record to have for future generations!

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:52:40 +0000

This is beautiful.

I don’t have much of a healthy relationship with either parent, and this illuminates it a bit. Not in a bit way, though because all things, as much as I’d love to say my parents helped me, I helped me, in being something different than they were.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:58:10 +0000

Wow it really is amazing how far we have come. My grandparents also talk about the “good old days” which makes me realize how lucky we (and future generations) are. The economy may be tough right now, but at least we have family!

By: Sophia

Sophia — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:47:14 +0000

I don’t know much about the environment that my parents grew up in, but I’m guessing that the generational differences will be even more radical with my own kids. Although I can’t even imagine what kind of differences those will be.

By: t.k.foster

t.k.foster — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:46:57 +0000

That’s quite a difference between your relationship and her relationship. Stories like that can make you cherish what you have when it seems that it’s not always good. I’m not too sure, though, what your dad saw in business and law as you are just as successful in English or Theology as those.

I love how neither of you can cook.

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:34:39 +0000

Wow- this is a really good post. I like it a lot.

Like you said, it really is amazing how those dynamics and relationships can change over time. And while there’s no definitely right or wrong way, I think our generation can find happiness as a result and along with our relationships with our parents, instead of in spite of them. I hope that made sense.

The way I am with my mom is a lot like your relationship with your dad. And yeah, sometimes I feel guilty about it. But I think our parents’ generation understands that we can give back in different ways- by being kind, nice people and contributing to the world to make it better. Those things are so much bigger than who cooks or does the ironing, you know?

But, again, this is a fabulous post and I liked it a lot.