One of my Facebook friends posted a comment today that really made me think. It should make you think too!
Approximately what she said was,
"Usually I stay up to see the new year come in, but this year I'm going to stay up to make sure this year goes out."
I think I'd like to stretch that to be the entire decade! There is an excellent three minute clip at ABC.com that takes you quickly through the decade - just in case you forgot any of the details.
Here in East Texas, we actually had more than our share when you recall Hurricane Katrina and the Crash of the Columbia Shuttle. Many Katrina victims came here and quite a few stayed. Columbia crashed so close, we felt the rumble of the earth. Of course, we also had two major hurricanes right here: Rita and Ike.
To say the economy tanked is to make light of the situation. IRAs and Stock Portfolios - through no fault of our own, dwindled to pathos. Many families have at least one person who has lost their job. Some of us (myself included) have found jobs at times in our lives when we should be retired. And many who would have retired have decided to stay working. People are being more careful how they spend and they use more cash and less cards.
History shows us that in tough times we tend to appreciate church, friends and family more and I see that every day. I also see people helping people. Many folks are using food banks and second-hand stores and services they never have. The heart-warming part is that more and more people are contributing or helping however they can so there will be some for everyone.
Say what you will about Social Networking, but it helps me know what is going on with more people in less time than if I were to attempt to telephone them all. People are worrying more about each other than they ever did.
If the Fifties were the best decade that everyone remembers as gentle and fun with lots of inventions and President Ike Eisenhower, well, this past decade - which I am not sure has a nickname yet - shall be remembered as one of shock and fast-paced "it couldn't have happeneds". When stuff happens, you really cannot blame a leader and I often think about the George W. Bushes sitting in Dallas with their feet up - at last.
This sure has not been an era of poodle skirts and Elvis. It has been an era of taking a look to see who is behind you. Yes, we have cell phones - and we might need them! (I still think of the people on 9-11 in the plane over Pennsylvania using their cell phones to say "Goodbye" to loved ones.)
It is an era where education is just about the most important thing young people can do for themselves. Fortunately, there are enough ways for people to afford higher schooling, that young people - and even some older people - must merely just apply themselves. We must be willing to work just a little harder for longer hours.
Probably because my home town, Toronto is such a multilingual society, I was heartened to see Barack Obama become American President. No one should envy him as he is in office in just about the most tumultuous time ever. You will enjoy the second video if only for its light-hearted look at Mr. Obama's background. Here is a man who makes young people stand up and notice that each of us can do what we chose to do, if we really put our mind to it.
So, are you going to wait up to see 2009 leave? Have a Bud Light and text to your friends wherever they are?
Ah, yes, please also remember our military who are out there for us every day, often risking their lives.
And also - give a thought to those who have come back and are trying so very hard to adjust. Could I have gone there? No, I don't think so! Can I help a little - just a little - yes, I can and so can you! Keep it simple; keep it American - like apple pie, but let them know you care about each of them!
http://abc.go.com/ Click on NEWS; search for 3 minute clip of the decade (ABC's 3 minute clip of the decade)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HplZ_taHXLM (YouTube: There's No One As Irish As Barack O'Bama)
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