On the Great Depression… this is one of those times in history that I hope doesn’t repeat itself. This year has truly been historic, in more ways than one. What strikes me is that this crisis seems to have hit us all of a sudden, yet it has been brewing for some time. Bad lending practices, greed…they are insidious and it takes a while to feel their effects. All I can say at this point is I hope there are consequences to the people responsible for this mess so this disaster doesn’t ever happen again.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

My mother grew up during the Great Depression; her family lived in upper East Tennessee and moved to Knoxville looking for work; my grandfather finally found some with the CCC building Fontana Dam in North Carolina. Mother used to tell us the stories of the depression – the things they did without and couldn't afford and how they were the rule rather than the exception. My mother told us stories of WW2 also and then of the 50s. We were always enraptured by her stories; she told them well and I grew up knowing I never wanted to experience a Great Depression.

After I got married my father in law who fought in WW2 under Patton and was in the Battle of the Bulge and one of the first American troops into Berlin after the Russians went in used to regale me with his war stories. When his mother died and I helped him and his sisters clean out her closets we found hats and dresses and jewelry from the Roaring 20s onward. Listening to them reminisce about this hat or that dress and where they wore it and what they did was an amazing experience.

You're right Erica – listening is so much better. You hear stories that you could never read in a book – a tapestry of words painted by the individuals who lived the stories and in whose eyes weren't that long ago.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Erica, I am so glad you have touched on how our grandparents have lived through much, much harder times, and have habits based on building a life for us and ours. My 89 yr. old grandpa lives with me, and I am so glad I opened my ears to him! He says " If you can't pay for it , well you don't need it." I had much debt, but taking his advice these past 2 years I only still owe on my student loan. I have no credit cards, and no other debt. I see people driving around in expensive cars (like I had at one time) with a horrible, stressed look on their face. You can't take it with you, but what you teach and leave your family when your gone is a measure of where you heart lives. We struggle from time to time, but thanks to his advice, others will not struggle when I'm gone. Don't you people know if leave this world in personal debt, that debt is now owed by your children ! Stop a moment, look at the world, where we are headed, and if you think it's time for you to turn your life around?

Hi Erica,

You know, my grandmother always says, "When you're good, good comes to you." I didn't understand the wisdom of that little saying until my 30s I think. Now I think my grandmother is a genius. Even "there's a lid for every pot" has grown on me.

One thing that strikes me, too, is how people extend themselves in a crisis. It's like people are just drawn to each other, and they shift into a "how can I help" mindset. That's why I love the idea of the Heroes series. If we really focus on the positive, who knows what other good things will be unleashed in the world?

Hello Erica,
This is such a wonderful post, there is such wisdom & inspiration. like you, i'm trying to be a gd listener. you're right; it's no always easy, but, i'm trying. What caught my attention in the 5th paragraph; the love of Herman & Roma, and the story of yr family, the following para. thank you.
To Lilibeth: i'd like to take this opportunity to tell you that i read yr comments with pleasure.

I love the history of WWII also. My Dad was in the Navy and went into Pearl Harbor to clean up after the attack. I stood with him many years later at the memorial, and we both had tears in our eyes. I do read about the Holocost as well. A time I hope we nevver have to live through again. My parents lived through the great depression, and the stories were tough to listen to. I hope we are not headed there. At least we have football to distract us! The Giants are MNF!