"The baby boomers are getting older, and will stay older for longer. And they will run right into the dementia firing range. How will a society cope? Especially a society that can't so readily rely on those stable family relationships that traditionally provided the backbone of care?" ~ Terry Pratchett

Welcome back and I am happy to be coming to you live and in person, at least I was, during the time I was at my keyboard, on this Monday, June 9, 2025. I am an observer and I like to stay in touch pretty much with most of what's happening in the world. Some don't want to do that. Good. Different approaches are acceptable in our mostly free society. I was reading about some of the things Baby Boomers do that annoy younger folks and I can see myself in some of them. They don't like it when older folks seem to beat a steady drum of criticisms about any and all younger folks. They tend to get tired of hearing too often the back in my day accounts and stories. Younger generations don't get it why us older people resist technology, it's aggravating to them. They also dislike how we often lump all groups together and paint them with the same brush. Here's a good one: They really prefer a text message as opposed to a phone call. That's just how they function. When we speak our minds especially on social media it can be very embarrassing to our younger family members who often consider our postings as being unmannerly or unkind. It would seem our younger ones really don't care to hear about the tough love parenting approach. They tend to get upset when us older folks downplay things they are concerned about, like the environment or when we talk down new trends. They have been conditioned to seeing the world a wee bit different than we see it and when we share our views it often collides with their informed vision for about every issue under the sun. We like to think our hard work, adversities, and overcoming challenges are motivational in nature, they mostly hear blah, blah, blah. Okay. These are but a few of the habits we baby boomers have as our way of communicating that turn off those we wish to inspire. I am somewhat puzzled by what to do since many of them pretty much say, "Just stop it, already!" I will think about thinking about what I can do, but, something I cannot do, especially at this late stage in my life, I cannot compromise the truth we know God has given to us. For instance, here's one they can apply and make their life count for time and eternity: Proverbs 3:5-6 from the Legacy Standard Bible 5)Trust in Yahweh with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6)In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. (A literal translation.)

 

Family gathering for mom's 90th birthday celebration.

Today's title is like some ice cold water splashed into the face. I can tell you this about that title. It's the truth. We have lived it. I thank God every day that so far, that's right, so far we've been able to provide assistance and support from family to help those who find themselves in that life altering situation. I can also say without hesitation that we all have done what we could do, but, we have been blessed by having the availability of some family members who could devote around the clock assistance to our loved ones. I was with my baby sister Kayla when she passed from this life to the next. I was with my brother Donald when he breathed his last. And, I was privileged to be with mom for her final time here on the planet. I gave some, others gave so much more. There are too many to name but I will mention one because she happens to live here with me. My wife. She has been a champion in helping her folks and in helping my folks as well. Like I say, there are plenty of others as well. What a blessing to have family who are willing to step up. What a provision from God that allows it to be done this way. This doesn't make us better than any other family, it is only the blessing of God that, so far, we've been able to have family involved. Okay. It's time for me to say so long for now. "Happy trails to you until we meet again." Amen.