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yardwork

(67,541 posts)

15. Our grandparents lived through some things.

Reply to 1WorldHope (Reply #14)

Sat Jul 26, 2025, 01:44 PM

Jul 26

I think of my mom's parents. A first-generation U.S. immigrant who didn't speak English until he went to school, childhood helping gangsters smuggle liquor during Prohibition, shotgun marriage to the farmer's daughter when she was 17, parent of three little children during the Depression and WWII, never was a happy marriage, they got divorced in their 70s.

OTOH, grandpa missed having to serve in any war and he did ok financially. Moved to the Bay Area in California in the 50s and enjoyed the sunshine, pool in his backyard, and he loved his orange tree on the patio.

His life arc moved from scarcity and poverty to economic expansion and a secure upper middle class life.

Our kids and grandkids are experiencing the downside of that arc but honestly, who knows what will happen? Could just as easily turn out to be surprisingly good, I guess.

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FirstLight 1WorldHope

31 replies

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Highlight:

I had an experience last night that left me questioning myself. [View all] 1WorldHope Jul 26 OP

I don't think you're in a liberal cult TexLaProgressive Jul 26 #1

He did sound a little depressed right when we started. 1WorldHope Jul 26 #6

Strike a balance between fighting back, and doing non-political related things so you don't burn out. bearsfootball516 Jul 26 #2

Yes. Balance is the key. And reading the room. 1WorldHope Jul 26 #8

I live in Northern Indiana and the afternoons have been miserable. bearsfootball516 Jul 26 #12

And going outside really is the key to feeling better. 1WorldHope Jul 26 #13

All the time. But like you, I was raised with empathy and love. What's happening now is polluting the human spirit. mjvpi Jul 26 #3

Thank you for your empathy! I should have more for myself. 1WorldHope Jul 26 #9

First, a big virtual hug to you. And second, I worry too, that I come across that way sometimes. CrispyQ Jul 26 #4

I felt your virtual hug immediately. 1WorldHope Jul 26 #5

It sounds as though you did not know your stepbrother as well as you thought. pandr32 Jul 26 #7

Ahh, not alone, that sounds good. 1WorldHope Jul 26 #10

I don't think you did anything wrong. yardwork Jul 26 #11

As my grandpa always said, "Ain't it the truth." 1WorldHope Jul 26 #14

Our grandparents lived through some things. yardwork Jul 26 #15

Politics became "personality politics" then "identity politics" and then "cult politics" Thank RW hate media. usonian Jul 26 #16

No. H2O Man Jul 26 #17

No, you don't belong to a cult. You're just still fighting. haele Jul 26 #18

I used to feel like he does. That our vote didn't matter. 1WorldHope Jul 26 #23

I do have feelings like that... If I had all the $$$ needed to travel the next four years and tune out, boy would hlthe2b Jul 26 #19

I would feel the same. Being retired gives me way too much time to think. 1WorldHope Jul 26 #21

If he doesn't have internet or cable television... hunter Jul 26 #20

You have learned a valuable lesson. ananda Jul 26 #22

Conservatives are wired differently from those of us on the left Warpy Jul 26 #24

At least you're still talking bif Jul 26 #25

Ow. 1WorldHope Jul 26 #29

You had the mental clarity and humility to question yourself. That's increasingly rare. chia Jul 26 #26

How kind. Thank you. 1WorldHope Jul 26 #30

Everyday! nm mikewv Jul 26 #27

Why is this about you? MorbidButterflyTat Jul 26 #28

Thank you for your concern. 1WorldHope Jul 26 #31