Imagine for a moment that you’re going to a party, whether for business or social reasons.

When you arrive, the host or hostess greets you at the door. You mingle with others you know, shake hands, nod heads, laugh, sit wherever you want, clink glasses, and talk freely.

Afterward, you gather your things, shake hands, say your good-byes, and return home to talk about what a wonderful evening you just had and about what the latest news is.

Everything is…normal.

I remember when my parents went to such meetings or parties. For the most part, they got along with others, despite any differences in opinions or beliefs.

They said “please” and “thank you.” Appreciated any kindesses bestowed upon them. Volunteered without pay for causes they believed in.

They participated in these traditions as well as weddings, funerals, reunions, birthday parties, and anniversaries.

We owe a lot to this generation for showing us what manners are, how to treat others, how to make friends, and how to live life full of love.

Their way of life may not have been perfect. Nothing ever is. But it worked.

There was food on the table, a roof over our heads, friends to share stories with, and time spent with family.

My parents’ generation, whether they knew it or not, charted a course for living responsibly.

They saved money, lived below their means, taught their children right from wrong, respected their elders.

Now, just because these folks demonstrated civility, social graces, and responsibility doesn’t mean younger people adopted their ways.

Some younger people did. Some didn’t.

In 2020, I’ve noticed a surprising lack of respect for the elderly by many.

It’s shown whenever anyone wants to get rid of everything having to do with that generation, as though “old school” and “tradition” don’t work anymore.

Perhaps they don’t know that some very smart people learned in a small school room with a teacher using only chalk and a chalkboard.

It’s shown whenever people insist others have to be punished simply for holding a contrarian opinion.

It’s shown when skin color instead of need is the criterium for who gets vaccinated for COVID-19, even though elderly patients in long-term care facilities have suffered the most.

It’s shown whenever scammers relentlessly call the elderly waiting for that one time they might be confused or flustered enough to give the crooks money or personal information.

What I called normal before is, of course, pre-COVID-19. Some may say what we’re going through now is the new normal.

I’ll stick with my earlier description of normal.

My father passed away many years ago. My mother is still living.

I believe life is meant to be lived. I wish each and every one of you a very merry and blessed Christmas.And, yes, I’ll be spending Christmas with my mother.

As always, I’ll strive to add a dose of realism, while putting some worth in your while.