Tempus fugit—“time flies.” You may not think so today, but it is really true, especially for your generation.
We were the most fortunate of all generations—ever! Our parents had survived the Great Depression and World War II. My father was a gunnery instructor for the Navy, and my mother was a registered nurse during the war. They never lost the love of God, country, and family. The Pledge of Allegiance to our country, with our hand over our heart, and the prayers in our churches, bound us all together in this grand experiment: our constitutional republic!
My grandparents came from Ireland and raised six children; my grandfather worked for years while becoming a doctor and many times took chickens and eggs as payment. Hard work, love of community, religion, and dedication to each other were always the forefront of their lives.
Growing up, my parents instilled the love of education—real education, the kind during which you studied hard and brought home excellent report cards—and because of this solid education, we were told the truth: that we could be anything we wanted to be. At the time, for females, you could be a nurse or a teacher. I became a teacher, and in the past 60 years of working in nine different professions, I have taught in every single one of them on some level.
We lived in the beautiful city of Detroit, an automobile manufacturing center of the country, and maybe of the world—it was glorious! You either worked for the car companies or supplied them. My father had two stamping plants and was a supplier. It was the age of optimism and growth!
Through the baby boomers’ working careers, we got up every day and created something out of nothing—wealth! Our generation had the most entrepreneurs for the first time ever.
Serious guideposts for our generation were honesty, business done on a handshake, and that your word was your bond—tell me who your five best friends were and where you were going. Respect authority—they are there to protect and serve. Protect the elderly; nurture the children. Have children! They are our country’s future! Seek joy in everything you do. Surround yourself with people who will make you a “10”—that is their gift to you; your friendship is your gift to them! To whom much has been given, much will be expected. Have faith in the future—you will have a large part in creating it—make it the best it can possibly be!
Always remember—tempus fugit, so use it wisely!
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