Seniors Childhood Memories Linger

I recall a different way of life. It was calmer. It was, as it is known today, the Age of Innocence. It is no more!

Families gathered around the table for dinner. We each had our chores and responsibilities. Mothers cooked, cleaned and raised a family. Men worked to pay the bills and to apply strict rules. Children went to school to learn, and not to kill or maim. Attending college was not a choice. We were taught to have a better life than our fathers.

I have memories of one of my earliest teachers. I remember her name even now. Her name was Mrs Tiber and she taught an Math Class. Her rules were strict and she did not put up with students talking in her class. One day I disobeyed. I was chewing gum in class. This was not allowed.

She ordered me to stand up - I did not dare to disobey. She told me to remove the gum from my mouth and put it into the pocket of my white blouse. Then I was told to crush it so that the gum stuck. No one laughed. I was told that she wanted to talk to my mother. This is how we learned in my younger days. I was punished. We learned respect and obedience and i recall it as if were yesterday.

I always had enjoyed writing poetry and stories. It was not easy in those days. I had to use a pencil and little white pad of ruled paper. I have saved all of my writings through the years. I never imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that one day, there would be a way to write without pen or paper, and to save it on a Computer rather than in a looseleaf book.

Life was slower during my younger days. We celebrated holidays and birthdays with family. My memories of celebrating Passover holidays were not as much about the holiday itself, but of the traditions connected to the specific holiday. I can still smell the the aroma of fresh chicken soup cooking, the clothing we wore and the hot crowded apartment. There was no airconditioning in those days and no microwaves. The food took hours to cook and we sat around the table starved and following the rituals.

We endured. We were a close family. We helped each other and were there for each other at any time or day.

Technology brought the world closer. It also taught us much more. However, along with that knowledge, schools are no longer safe, families live behind locked doors, parties are celebrated over Skype instead of in person.

Families are torn apart and young children spend their young years in jail. Seniors spend their remaining age in Nursing Homes instead of with their family.

Is this a better world? I wonder! Everything moves so fast and disrespect is a part of our life in any and all aspects. Politicians lie and facts distorted. I no longer know who to believe or what to believe in. Nothing is cut and dry as it was in my youth. There is same sex marriage, test tube babies, television and video games that teach violence.

The new technology has enabled me, a senior, to become a writer. This is something I have always wanted to do. Due to Bill Gates, Microsoft, and other Internet giants, computers came into our everyday life and changed it forever.

Life is faster and more exciting. Information is no longer hidden behind closed doors. I was brought up in a generation that used pens and inkwells. I have fond memories of my youth. I am fascinated and in awe of every aspect of the technology of the Computer; books I can read without turning pages, games that are played by using my body. Life is good and is getting better. Technology has helped to make me the person I am today. I not only learn-I teach. Old age seems to be escaping me although i am in my senior years. I feel young, vital and happy to be a part of this modern technology.