The inspiration for this article about baby boomers and memories stems from a recent conversation I had with my uncle, Joe.
Throughout my life, I have had the utmost respect for my uncle.
He, more than anyone else, gave me the guidance and counsel ultimately leadng me to success. It was always easy to look up to Joe. He was a leading physician, directing one of our country’s largest university hospitals.
Uncle Joe somehow found time to also start new programs for the elderly. He also relished teaching students as they were learning and developing their necessary skills in med school.
My parents were "supportive parents," before there ever was such a term.
My mother and father encouraged my brothers (and me) to follow Uncle Joe's lead.
Recently, while sharing family memories with my uncle, I recognized the importance of family and the impact that the shared recollections of extended family can have on one’s life.
Memories provide a foundation for living.
To this day, as an extended family, we often share the many family memories. We enjoy reflecting and talking about the special times in our family’s history.
My parents were all about family togetherness and harmony, and they especially cherished idea of sharing special moments with the extended family.
I was lucky enough to grow up with grandparents who also welcomed family togetherness, while serving as great role models for younger family members.
We learned from all of them about the way you should treat others.
These days, baby boomers are in "look back" mode. As I have often said, they don't live in the past, yet they want to value the past.
Those born between 1956 to 1964 like to think about those special days back when they were in high school. They recall the special music of their times. Also, for the most part, they still follow the favorite sports teams of their childhood.
More than any memories though, their longing centers on their memories with family.
Unfortunately, for many between the ages of 54 to 62, the important people they remember from their youth may no lonnger be with them. In some circumstances, boomers find themselves caring for elderly parents; they wish things could return to the way they once were.
This is why, in moments of reflection, boomers often look back and recall what once was.
But the silver lining is cherished memories: a special family meal, or watching the ballgame with your father, or the day your entire family was there to see you graduate from college.
Memories can indeed be wonderful. They are the fabric of living.
As baby boomers get a bit older, they find themselves in a unique position with many days left to look forward to, and yet with so many memories of days gone by.
Many baby boomers relate to me, experiences similar to what I'm discussing in this column. Many have a special aunt or uncle who can make their day just by a conversation they have with them.
Baby boomers can share with a sibling, memories of their youth that will bring smiles.
It's the times of our lives — the memories shared and experienced, that bring context, meaning, and happiness to the heart and soul of boomers.
So, for those of you born between 1956 and 1964, the next time you talk to the Uncle Joe in your life, know that I can identify with you as to how special that call is, and what meaning that call brings to your life.
I hope it brings about the shared memories of your life, as you recall the special memories that make up the fabric of your life.
Rick Bava founded and was CEO of the Bava Group, which became the premier communications consulting firm serving the Fortune 500 community. Bava became known for his popular blog columns "Rick Bava on the Baby Boomer Generation." He is the author of "In Search of the Baby Boomer Generation." For more of his reports, Go Here Now.
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