September 2002                                                  The Megaphone                                                                Page 8

  Years ago when I was in high school and would attend the Homecoming games and dances, I would look at those who had made the trip back to Elwood to celebrate with us. Wow! Did they seem old! Never in my wildest dreams did I envision myself as a member of that age group. Well, folks, we (I am addressing my peers here) have met the "old" -- and they are us! Like it or not, teenagers view us through the same mindset that we did those who came before us.

  However, all is not lost. In my mind the benefits outweigh the negative aspects of this great adventure. When we speak, we have experience behind us. So what if the young don't listen -- we can keep on talking! The goal to fit into a model's size 8 was never reachable anyway, so we can enjoy spreading out in a somewhat larger size. No longer do we have to be content to stand in lines, meekly -- never uttering a word of complaint. We can put a voice to our discontent and "they" -- the nameless who are responsible for this line -- will be forced to listen lest we collapse on their shift!

  And yes! We can wear purple and flip flops and whatever our hearts desire -- as long as the essentials are covered! We can don outrageous jewelry (my personal favorite!) or crazy hats, and people will smile and attribute our fashion lapse to senility -- much better than them thinking we don't know the difference.

  If we are bored in church or at meetings we can feel free to nod off without condemnation. Isn't it just great? We can sleep in, retire early, nap in the afternoon -- and it is expected of us! How I love it! And, my dears, bodily complaints are a part of it! Can't rise from a chair too swiftly -- it's a trait in us that the young presume to be normal -- for our age! Unable to walk distances -- don't sweat it -- par for the course. Need a chair at a crowded function -- yours! I enjoy my white hair, accept any wrinkle, and look forward to each birthday.

  Growing old is an art if one refuses to look back wistfully and long for the green years. Rather than bemoan the passing of time, isn't it a heck of a lot more fun to enjoy the "Now" and to file those memories of a younger time in the area of our brain reserved for the precious?

Karen (Stine) Hollies '54
Virginia Beach, VA

  This past week we have seen several small birthday parties. Once again we are reminded of the miracles that have been sent to us through the children we know.
 
  I knew when our daughter was expecting our first grandchild that no matter how excited and anxious she was for the baby to arrive, she would not be prepared for the extent of her feelings of love and protection that would come with the birth of this baby. What I did not expect was the extent of the  feelings I, as a grandparent, would have when this child was born. I knew he had been created solely for my enjoyment and enjoy him I did.
 
  Then, to my amazement, I became aware of just how this miracle, called Michael Brady, would change my life. As I held this small bundle of life the arrival of my own children flashed clearly in my memory. I was not only able to have the love and emotions for my new grandchild, but the wonder of my own children's births became fresh in my mind and I was able to relive the joys from those times. At each stage of Michael's life, this miracle occurred over and over. I was able to enjoy my grandchild and relive the joys of my own children.
 
  As Joe and I were raising our family and taking care of the necessities required of us, it seemed that life had gone too fast and we had somehow missed out on the fun of the kids. We had lots of pictures of birthday parties and Christmas and other holidays and each time we looked at the pictures we were reminded of the good times we had shared. But as I held this new child in my arms, I could actually feel the way my own children had felt in my arms. This time I experienced my children without the responsibilities of parenthood. What I was feeling was the pure joy of being a parent with none of the worries that plague you when your children are small. I was able to enjoy the memories of my children with all of the problems of parenting removed. Clearly, I had not been prepared for the experience I received. I then realized that when it became time for great grandchildren I would be able to experience this again only it would be with both my children and my grandchildren.
 
  We have been blessed with 6 grandchildren and, to my joy, the miracle of each of them has been the same. I am able to relive a time from long ago and experience memories that had been hidden for far too long. Things I had forgotten from the time my own children were small are once again fresh in my mind. Things I thought I had missed out on were just locked away waiting for the key . . . the birth of a grandchild.
 
  The other grandparents out there know exactly what I am talking about. For all of you who are raising your families now, this may help you to realize that you will be able to enjoy the moments of your life with your children again and again . . . each time a new grandchild comes along.
 
  For those of you who enjoy the love of a niece or nephew or the child of a friend, the same holds true. As these children grow and become parents themselves you will be able to see the children they once were and enjoy these small miracles twice as much.
 
  I do not know how any one can look at the miracle of a child and not believe with all of their heart that there is a God.
 
  May He bless you and all of the children in your lives.
 
Sharon (Benedict) Hurst '53
Elwood, IN ... Out on Fairground Road