Rosalie Aiello, 30SEP2004
Hi Everyone:
35 years!!! Where the heck did the time go? When my parents used to say
that, I used to think they were crazy. How could you possibly remember
what life was like 35 years ago? Miniskirts, long hair, Peace signs, and
the Beatles. It was a long time ago. Or was it? As time goes on, you
realize that 35 years was only yesterday.
We like to think we are the same idealistic kids we were in 1969 -- 18
years old, fearless, and ready to conquer the world. Baby Boomers on the
loose, 76 million strong. We thought our energy and youthfulness would
last forever. But being carefree and daring have given way to obligations
and responsibilities, with a little wisdom and some aches and pains thrown
in. We hope we still have the same principles we had in the '60's, but
sometimes the world gives us a reality check and it's hard to keep that
innocent sense of right and wrong in perspective.
We've seen a lot in those 35 years since high school -- conflicts in
Vietnam, Iran, Afghanistan, and Iraq. We saw the Berlin Wall torn down.
We brought down a President in the 70's, were saddened by a rock legend's
assassination in the 80's, have seen two Baby Boomer Presidents elected in
the 90ƒds and the 21st century, and talk to each other with wireless
devices today. And that terrible day on 9/11 when many of us lost friends
and relatives at the World Trade Center. Good or bad, imagine what the
next 35 years will bring.
We still want our youth, but realize we can't keep it forever. In our
hearts, we still yearn to be 18 years old, but hear the footsteps of time
on our heels. We're still young enough to enjoy ourselves, but those
footsteps are getting louder and louder. However, as Baby Boomers, we are
the first generation to keep our youthful, adventuresome spirit. We still
drive fast cars, ski down mountains, run marathons, and play games. We
may not be that 18-year-old kid anymore, but we are still Baby Boomers at
heart.
Mini skirts, long hair, Peace signs, and the Beatles. Maybe it wasn't
that long ago after all.
Peace and Love,
Rosalie Aiello