Generations...

As I sit here tonight I think of my 14 almost 15 yr old daughter and a conversation that we had yesturday. Throughout all time each generation believes that the one before just doesn't understand them. And of course with that things were always so much easier when the older generation was at that same stage in life. And I am sure my sweet daughter will not comprehend until she too lives life a while that Oh, my gosh my mother really did understand. The excuses for problems that are faced could keep a comedian busy for an entire evening. It must be my old brain that causes me to not realize that algebra was not difficult back when I took it in school. It is because of technology and the advanced learning capibilities that makes it more difficult. And part of that statement may very well be true. However, my classmates and I we were never allowed a calculator in class or to be used on an exam. And apparently Algebra now isn't the same and on that it may very well be true. There have been advancements in what is being taught in the schools since I was in High School. And even since my graduation from Utah State University for that matter 1988 was a long time ago. And the learning disabilities I was informed I had while at college aparently don't qualify for any compassion. Nor the fact that while in college I was a single parent of two the oldest being 8 when I graduated and her sister just two years younger because it wasn't of course my daughters fault I had her sisters back then that was my choice. I do not doubt that my daughter's 9th grade year hasn't been challenging. However, as I recall of course with the dementia that I must be experiencing my ninth grade experience was very simular. But, this new generation quite frankly is selfish and lazy. Now, because I don't want to make the same generalization my young daughter made there must be some out there that are not that way.... somewhere. I don't think of myself as terribly old early fifties. Although via genetics arthritis has taken it's toll. But, it amazes me that unless you specifically (and this theory doesn't always work either) tell a teenager to do something even though they can obviously see something should be done. Will walk right past it and leave it for someone else. And heaven forbid that they do a job that was requested to be completed by a sibling. That would be down right wrong. Granted I grew up in a rural community and had specific jobs that needed to be done. It was expected in the summer that I would have to help with the hay which included cutting, and or bailing or driving the tractor so my father could load the bails on a wagon. I was expected to help in the spring to pack the wool so it could be taken to the woolen mills. (which I admit was fun when I was smaller)And branding and de-horning the cows and casteration. Or by taking care of the "Bummer Lambs" the one's who's mother either died or wouldn't feed the lamb. Expecting nothing more than a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food to eat and occasionally something special. If I wanted "name brand clothing" I had to have a job on the side to pay for it. And I do remember complaining at times. But, the one hold my parents had on me was I could never stand to see my mother cry. Not for any reason. If she did it bothered me. Now my young daughter was correct many of my hardships I brought on myself. I married too young and was divorced by the time I was 24. But, I have never suggested that this was anyone's fault but, my own. Not only are children these days arrogant and lazy but, they always want to blame someone else for their problems. Do I love my daughter? More than you could imagine. And I am quite sure at times I snapped at my parents the line that they didn't understand how hard things were. But, lets put things in perspective here. My grandparents and their parents lives were far more difficult than my own. The hardships they faced were much more difficult than anything I can begin to imagine. They were fortunate if they got to go to school. There was always work to be done. But, even with my disability my children think I am wonder woman. I can work all night and in the daytime I can pick up after them. I guess that is what being a mom is now. A job that I have always wanted and have been grateful for. So, maybe the key is to stop looking at the foot prints on my back and realize that one day they will understand. Will I still be here to see that day well, that is up to the dear Lord I suppose. So for anyone who has teenagers or feels unappreciated well, you are not alone. But, I believe that one day their eyes will be opened and the realization that maybe they had helped more, there would have been more time for fun and the memories of their parents would be that of not being tired all the time but of all the things that they could have done to enjoy the time they had with their parents. I know I wish I had been more thoughtful. I wish I had listened more. And more than anything I wish I had one more day that I could spend with them just to tell them that I love them and appreciated all they did for me. I assume it has been this way since the begining of time....