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50 years...

7/8/2018

12 Comments

 
by Gwen M. Plano
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1968​ is often referred to as the “most turbulent” year of the century. The Vietnam War was at its peak, evoking confrontations between student protesters and police. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated and just a few months later, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was murdered. The young were disillusioned and angry, the old were lost in a world they did not understand. It was a very difficult time.

I was a student at San Diego State University in 1968, and fifty years ago today my first child was born. I had married the year before, and the birth of my son followed ten months later. When nothing made sense, when everything that could go wrong went wrong, I had a precious baby to hold. He was my miracle, a concrete sign of hope during a time that appeared hope-less.

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Fast forward fifty years and what has changed? Turmoil persists. Adversity and mistrust are rampant. Perhaps the biggest change I see is the internet. Now we don’t need to talk with neighbors or listen to speeches or pick up a newspaper. We can check our smartphones and find out  what people think about any topic.

Tempers flare easily when we’re upset with impersonal entities: such as the Republicans or the Democrats, the Christians or the Muslims, the Blacks or the Whites. But, if fifty years have taught me anything, it is that truth is elusive.

During this time of extraordinary change, hold on to what is precious, find reasons for laughter, and know that this, too, will pass. Happy Birthday, dear son. Could it really be fifty years?

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50 years ago in photos: A look back at 1968.
12 Comments
john howell link
7/8/2018 06:46:35

What a beautiful and thoughtful birthday wish to your child, Gwen. I too have a fifty year old son and the similarites in the world politic between now and then are soboring. We have more information now which gives us a feeling of less control. It is true that our families are the foundation of our lives.

Reply
Gwen Plano
7/8/2018 07:31:27

Thank you, John. It's amazing so much time has passed and yet many of the same issues still dominate our attention. You're right about more information giving us a feeling of less control. Have a great day!

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Jan Sikes
7/8/2018 08:42:58

I never imagined that I would be able to reflect over 50 years of life and yet here I am. So much has changed and yet so little. It's a paradox and difficult to explain. But, the births of my children were my true joys. And now they are in their forties. Thank you for sharing your son's birthday. And Happy Birthday to him!

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Gwen Plano
7/8/2018 11:26:14

Thank you, Jan. Time passes so quickly, doesn't it. I agree with you; it is a paradox that so much and yet so little has changed. Blessings. ♥

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Julie Watson
7/8/2018 14:05:35

Lovely memories and times Gwen. Nice to look back and see how our far we have come and how life changes, to never be the same again.

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Gwen Plano
7/8/2018 14:29:53

Thank you, dear Julie. So nice of you to stop by. Blessings! ♥

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D.L. Finn
7/9/2018 00:41:32

Thoughtful piece Gwen. You are right things are in turmoil. I like your use of the word "the" it sums it up nicely. Happy birthday to your son!

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Gwen Plano
7/9/2018 03:32:15

Thank you, Denise. I hope you are safe from the fires in California. Blessings. ♥

Reply
John Fioravanti
7/9/2018 08:46:12

Love this post, and the pictures, Gwen! It is an eloquent and powerful birthday wish for your son. Brava!

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Gwen Plano
7/9/2018 15:22:32

Thank you so much, John. Have a great day!

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Vashti Q link
7/13/2018 07:42:43

Beautiful post and pictures, Gwen! I guess every generation has its issues to tackle. This is a great homage to your son. I hope he had a wonderful birthday.

Reply
Gwen Plano
7/13/2018 07:49:54

Thank you, Vashti. It kinda put things into perspective for me, and I think my son appreciated it as well. Have a wonderful day, Vashti. ♥

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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