Feisty Side of Fifty/Baby Boomer Women

As baby boomers coming of age in the sixties, there’s no question we were a rebellious lot. Our parents, who’d lived through the tough times of both the Great Depression and World War II, wanted to give us much of what had been denied them during their own childhoods: lots of little luxuries. So we were the fortunate recipients of hula hoops and slinkies, Barbie dolls and stuffed animals, birthday parties and vacations. And, making things even easier on us, Dr. Spock was the childrearing guru of the time. “Spare the rod and spoil the child” became passé as the suburbs exploded with millions of carefree kids jumping rope, playing tag, and pulling cap guns on unsuspecting neighbors.

In response to the happy childhood our parents gave us, we rebelled and we rebelled hard. Eschewing their adherence to authority, we questioned it in as many ways as we could: mounting multiple movements and protests, and even questioning society’s code for dress and hygiene. Hippy chic was de rigueur and the longer the hair the better—including the thatch that grew under our arms!

And now, these wonderful folk who never wavered in their love for us (although they certainly must have experienced their moments of distress) are growing old. Many of us over fifty have lost our parents—others are caring for those that are sick and dying.

I have a friend, Debbie Zipp, who’s also a filmmaker and manages the marvelous site, In the Trenches Productions, where she shares fabulous and funny short films aimed at women over forty. You’ll enjoy every single one of her films, but Debbie has made a very special video that we should all take time to view. In it, she asks her eighty-something-year-old parents (who are lovely people by the way) their advice on love and marriage. In their common sense approach, they share the wisdom of their years and the content of their hearts. Their words may be deceptively simple, but their thoughts are deep and profound.

So take a couple of minutes, check out “Mother and Daddy Know Best,” and hear the voices of the Greatest Generation as they share their thoughts on life. Their words will warm your heart and feed your soul in ways that only a parent can.

And be sure and stop over at WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty where my dear friends have devoted their post to yours truly. I’d be ever so grateful if you’d stop by, make a comment, and spread the love!

February 19th, 2010 | Category: Aging With Attitude, Inspiring Each Other, Of Mind and Matter | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL