A Birthday!

Today is my oldest granddaughter's 14th birthday. Which, of course, means I was only 2 when she was born. :) But, young as I was, I remember the day very well - that was one funny looking creature. Yes, I know, all babies are beautiful, but that's because LIFE is beautiful. This was a funny looking baby - with attitude! She's not so funny looking anymore, as a matter of fact, kind of cute, but she still has attitude. What happened to the age of young people saying "Yes, ma'am", "No, sir"? Unless they want something of course. It was a given in my household growing up, you said it, or there would be serious consequences. We never knew what those consequences were, but we did it anyway. Now days, you can't understand a fourth of what these kids are talking about and the four letter words I over hear in general conversations are enough to make an ol' broad blush. I didn't know those words, and when I heard them, I sure didn't know what they meant. Sex wasn't exactly taboo, but we didn't do it. Anyone who "went all the way" was trash, and you didn't associate with them. And anyone who dressed like a slut, wasn't to be even talked to, unless absolutely necessary. Naturally, I talked to as few people as possible, but that was because I was extremely shy. (Ok, you can stop laughing now, it happens to be true!) The manner of dress was a lot different then too. The girls wore dresses, skirts and blouses, cardigan sweaters, knee socks and Lady B's. Those were/are penny type loafers in you don't know. Boys worse slacks and a button down shirt, ties were optional, unless it was a special occasion, then they were required. Blue jeans and sneakers were for Saturday, and we all dressed up for church on Sunday. Sunday school was at 9:45, church service - 11:00. Football was not a priority, so church schedules were not rearranged to accommodate anyone's viewing pleasure. At 14, we were all required to be at home by sunset, no matter what the time of year. If we were caught out roaming the streets, an escort home, and a serious "talking to" would occur. My older sister was the culprit usually, but even she would abide by the rules for the most part. We had neighbors back then, not just someone who lives next door, and they all kept an eye on everyone's kids. Now days, if you say anything to someone else's kid, you'll have a lawsuit slapped on you faster than you can blink. Not so then. Caring was a "requirement" of neighbors. And we didn't date! The thought of actually going out on a date at 14 was unheard of, unless of course you were one of those who were ostracized. We did go places in groups, Saturday dances, Sunday afternoons at the American Legion. Or there were church functions the whole family attended, together. Yes, the differences between the generations are quite noticeable. I love my granddaughter, but can we get a refund?