I think that I was very fortunate to have grown up in the 50’s. The main reason I was so blessed is that I was born at a time when life was simpler and I had everything I needed and some of what I wanted. These things affected my life in significant ways.  Also, the economy was decent and improving.

I am a baby boomer and that says it all, doesn’t it?  We were in the midst of positive economic changes after WWII and the world seemed safer then.  I know it seemed that way to me.  For example, when I was 12 or 13, I was allowed to go out with a friend when it was about to get dark outside and get a sundae at a local soda shop known for their ice cream.  We weren’t afraid of the dark.  We actually felt safe.

I just remember it being an optimistic time.  I was sheltered in many  ways and saw the world in a positive light.  In the middle to late 60’s the world was dramatically different.  But I grew up in the 50’s, in a happy, nuclear family with a positive outlook on life.  I grew up safe and loved.  My life was a charmed existence. 

Now, my childhood friends and I get together,and we share our memories of grade school in the 50’s.  We laugh and talk and have a wonderful time together.  Things weren’t perfect then, but it was not  complicated compared to today.  

When I look around and see how it is for kids growing up now, I wish that they could have the experiences of my childhood.  I lived in a very different world than the one they live in now.  I don’t see the optimism we had.  I wish things were different, and much better than they are now.  Probably the main reason for this difference is that things have become more significant in our children’s daily life.  Computers and cell phones have diminished face-to-face interaction to the point that social websites and texting have replaced talking to each other much of the time. 

The friendships of my life have been full of shared experiences that have become life-long memories for me and my old friends.  And I tend to demand (nicely, of course) that kind of sharing with younger people.  (For example, having a meal together and talking face-to-face.)  I am always asking my friends to go out to lunch at places where we can sit for a long time and just talk without being asked to leave.  It’s important to have these interactions with others.  That is how we get to know each other.

I hope and pray that it becomes more important and common to see young people taking up some of these habits that enrich their lives as they have mine.  Remembering times with others is easy to do if you have regular, in-person interactions with family and friends.  They tend to add up.  I doubt that good memories and deep friendships are formed by primarily using a phone or a computer to communicate.

All in all, growing up in the 50’s was a good time to grow up.  As an older adult, I think my generation needs to do our part by modeling face-to-face communication for them and with them.  One way of doing this might be getting them to do something with you, and share your stories of growing up in the 50’s.