THOSE BORN BEFORE 1940

We were born before television, before penicillin, antibiotics, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox machines, plastic, contact lenses, videos, frisbees and the pill. We were born before radar, credit cards, split atoms, laser beams and ball point pens: before dishwashers, tumble driers, electric blankets, air conditioners, drip dry clothes and before man walked on the moon.

We got married first and then lived together (how old fashioned can you be?). We thought 'fast food' was what you ate in Lent, a 'big Mac' was an oversized rain coat and a crumpet we had for tea! We existed before 'house husbands', computer dating, dual careers, and when a 'meaningful relationship' meant getting along with cousins, and 'sheltered accommodation' was where you waited for a bus!

We were before day centres, group homes and disposable nappies. We had never heard of FM radio, tape decks, electric typewriters, artificial hearts, word processors, yoghurt and men wearing earrings. For us, 'time sharing' meant togetherness and a chip was a piece of wood or a fried potato. Hardware meant nuts and bolts, and software was not even a word!

Before 1940, 'made in Japan' meant junk, and the term 'making out' referred to how you did in your exams. A stud was something you fastened a collar to a shirt with, and 'going all the way' meant staying on the bus until it reached the terminus. Pizzas, Mcdonald's and instant coffees were unheard of. In our day cigarette smoking was fashionable and 'grass' was mown, 'coke' kept in the coal house, a 'joint' was a piece of meat you had on Sundays and 'pot' was something you cooked in.

'Rock Music' was a grandmother's lullaby, and a 'gay' person was the life and soul of the party and nothing more. Aids meant a form of beauty treatment or help for someone in trouble.

We who were born before 1940 must be a tough old bunch when you think of the way the world has changed and we have had to adjust. No wonder we are so confused, but do not tell me we 'oldies' are not able to adjust to the rubbish the 'with it' younger generation throw at us. No wonder there is a generation gap? Just what will they throw at us next?

But! - by the grace of God, we have survived!

Forwarded by a CTM subscriber.