An Ode To Youth

Well, Mother's Day is over, and Father's Day is lurking in the near future, and possibly, it's a time to regroup and think about who and what we celebrate.

As controversial as this may be, I truly believe it is time to salute the youth of this country.  And by that I mean the two younger generations who are now facing problems and issues that were unknown in our early years.

During this past month, I had an unusual opportunity to spend some time with three young women, all in their early twenties.  It was a delightful chance to learn more about their choices, decisions and viewpoints.

The first young woman had arrived in our country as an Au Pair from South Africa.  When I asked about the motivation to leave home and spend two years of her youth in a foreign land, I was amazed to learn it was a very practical decision.  As she explained the politics of her native land, and her rank in the employment market, it was quite easy to comprehend the choice she had made.  Her maturity amazed me, and I was incredibly impressed at her decision, which obviously, was not an easy one.

The second young lady I encountered has just graduated from college and lives in a nearby State.  A location that might be called a "Company Town."  Most of the occupants work for the company, and my young acquaintance has just accepted a position with the same employer as both her parents.  It sounds perfect, perhaps, but they all work 12 hour shifts.  When I was 19 or even 20, I would never have considered anything more than an 8 hour day.  Yet this young woman has only two choices, relocate and hope to find employment, or accept the job requirements.

The third young woman, who happens to be one of the most favorite people in my life, is juggling three internships (all unpaid) this summer in the hopes of finding paid employment in the fall.

Bravo to all three of them.  But honestly, when I was their age, I had it far easier.  The job market was full of exciting, glamorous opportunities, mine to choose, and so I did.  And I absolutely enjoyed every minute of my "so called career."

The late teens and early twenties were when my friends and I were carefree, and gaiety was our companion.  Never did it occur to us to work 12 hours a day, or move to another country, and work for free?  Hardly.

So perhaps when the calendar comes around next year, let's think about including a Salute to Youth.  I think they deserve it.

But before we do that, let's not forget the sandwich generation, our children.  They are our emotional and sometimes, physical caregivers.  Beyond their concern over aging parents, who are alone and living longer, but they are now finding their own role in society challenging.  The employment market has not been kind to the baby boomers.  So many things our generation has accepted, no longer applies to our children.  The health care system that was kind to us will be extinct within the next five years.  The lovely deposit that arrives automatically monthly from the Government is in dire peril. Many are now supporting young adult offspring unable to find employment.  Yet despite all the cares and concerns our sons and daughters carry, most of us are blessed with daily phone calls, unexpected gifts and genuine compassionate concern for our well being.

Surely, the calendar has room to acknowledge this generation.

However, if we can't get government approval for two more official days, and Hallmark can't provide appropriate cards, let's all remember to personally acknowledge those younger than we.

They really deserve it!