Not Really

The words are usually accompanied by a sizable sigh.

And, admittedly, sometimes both are mine.

“Oh, everything once was easier.”

Yet, if I stop and think about that and try to remember without emotion, it’s not quite true.

Sometimes I don’t recall knowing fear earlier in life. However, it was in the springtime of my life when I felt it so acutely. I was an only child for the first five years of life, spending most of my days in an overcrowded tenement flat where an elder’s illness had permeated everything and everyone. No emotion I know today is as traumatic as those five years when I can only remember being frightened.

Later in the the lovely summer of my life, when time seemed endless, I never appreciated how quickly the scenery might change.

I must agree walking could be remembered as easier in those agile years. Yet let us not forget those days when we had two or more cherubs holding our hands as we pushed a stroller or a supermarket basket to a waiting car. Indeed walking was definitely a challenge. I still remember my vast breath of relief after I closed the front door safely and we arrived home intact.

I also admit we seem to visit more doctors now. Let us wait a second though and remember another time. Perhaps recall the years when one or more of your children had allergies or were accident prone. (I knew a few intimately). Those were the days when Dr. A, a Pediatrician, became my best friend. He and I saw each other often, far more than we intended. There were even several occasions when the good man made visits (not social) to our white cape cod. No, I think if I had kept count, the medical appointments of yesteryear and now might at least be about equal.

Obviously, I can’t or won’t deny being tired on occasional afternoons and in need of a nap. Yet I cannot recall many afternoons and/or evenings when I wasn’t tired in the years when our four youngsters were so young, and active, and yes, needy. Not only was I weary, I was anxious, far more than I am today.

So, the next time I am tempted to let out a soft sigh and complain, I think I will stop and remember life wasn’t really perfect then either. It’s just different and perhaps we have more time to complain. Perhaps we should also acknowledge a reality. The difference is today is also more than a bit easier than yesteryear.