Piercings, Tattoos, and Grandchildren

Six of us went out for breakfast. Our ages ranged from the seventies to early nineties. In addition to the usual tasty breakfast quesadillas, we enjoyed our spicy conversation.

There were some things we didn’t understand about the younger generation. Jackie said she hoped the strapless bridal gown fad ends soon. Everyone agreed too many busty gals try to pull off that look. Perhaps Meghan Markle’s more modest royal wedding gown will bring three-quarter sleeves and boat necks into fashion.

Roberta asked what we thought about piercings and that brought forth a collective groan. They look so uncomfortable and unhygienic! And we were not fans of tattoos, either. But all of us have family members with tattoos, so we go along to get along.

Our conversation wasn’t all negative. There were many things we liked about the younger generation. For example, their openness toward diversity and people of all colors and sexual orientation. As we ladies have aged, we have become more tolerant. In matters of style, we differed with the younger generation. In matters of human respect and dignity, we stood with the young folks.

What a relief to see a trend toward less costly weddings. Some weddings cost what we paid for our first houses. We remembered when candied almonds were a treat in the church social hall. Destination weddings to Mexico or the Caribbean? Forget it.

We all agreed no matter how old our children are, we still worry about them. And we have other worries. Barb mentioned our democratic institutions and we all nodded. We were concerned about the nation’s wealth held by the top 9% and wondered if our children will be able to enjoy retirement as we have. Student loan balances horrified us and we blamed universities for letting the students get in such a pickle, while they merrily raised tuition. We were glad the pendulum is swinging away from college education for all, and more opportunities were being provided to learn skilled trades.

Extravagances upset us. Some of us remembered ration books during the depression, and all of us remembered our parents being thrifty and frugal.

Well, another breakfast came to an end. We laughed and asked, “Have we solved enough world problems for today?” Since we all have amazing grandchildren there is great hope for the future.