Generational Differences are Worldwide Issues (which is good news for my dad)
This week I discovered that the generation gap affects the young and old all across the country, not just in my home in North Carolina.
On Friday, I visited one of Providence’s properties – St. Ann’s, a church that has been renovated into apartments for elderly people. (It is NOT an old folks’ home, the residents vehemently assured me.) The manager of St. Ann’s spent some of the meeting playing “Name That Tune” with the residents.
The strains of Marvin Gaye came on the radio.
“Let’s Get It On!” shouted one resident.
Nat King Cole.
“Unforgettable!” said another.
Temptations.
“Ain’t Too Proud To Beg!” said several ladies.
“Let’s see if any of you can identify this song from MY generation. You get extra points if you can do the dance!” said the manager.
Soulja Boy’s “Crank That” came on the radio.
Silence.
Blank stares.
Then one resident hesitantly: “YMCA?”
(I am glad to note that these problems plague people other than my dad. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!)
While I was at the same meeting, I had a long conversation with one lady while the birthday cake was being passed around. She told me her Katrina story – how her husband of 31 years died right before Katrina, how she endured at the Superdome, and how she lived in a Texas gym for over 20 days. After she finished describing her experiences to me, she sat back and thought for a moment, then said, “you know, I never lost my faith in God – not one day.”
And that is one thing that has surprised me about New Orleans. The people that I work with – the former residents of Lafitte and the people living in St Ann’s – have an abiding faith in God. Some found their faith during Katrina, some continued praying through the horrors of Katrina, and some have just recently found faith in God after three years of living in a bad situation.
I am humbled by the great faith that these people have shown through their daily activities, and I appreciate the fact that every answering machine message ends with: “Have a blessed day.” Whenever I describe bad dreams or difficult situations, every person exhorts me to pray.
I expected to help the people of New Orleans, but I find that they are helping me.