He and Lee Ann had a good time and he came back overwhelmed with the outpouring of gratitude for the
Canadian military from the Dutch people. We are proud of his example of service in World War ll. (I will try
to attach the Lethbridge Herald article)
The people of Dad's generation are interesting to watch here in China.
Actually, not many ninety year olds are out and about, although we were able to enjoy family
scenes during the spring festival time. The elderly, just younger, are about and we can see
a generational difference. There is often an awkwardness when passing me on the street. It
is a shyness perhaps, and it takes effort to get them to say "hello." Most likely it is an
unfamiliar situation because most, but not all, will respond when they realize my intent.
The generation that went through the 50's and 60's is respected for the difficult times they had to
endure. Quite a few student presentations speak of grandparents, especially grandfathers, loosing
everything after the "liberation," and being sent to work sites in the mountains. They also speak of
a terrible famine in 1942. The students see their grandparents as optimistic and resilient,
because of these experiences.
The metro (subway) highlights a generation gap. The older citizens are always quiet and take up very little space.
The younger riders are more extroverted and are talking on cell phones, just like at home. From a few
elderly head shakes and frowns, I can tell that the older people don't like to see affectionate displays on the metro
or the young not offering their seat to someone in need. Someone in need would be: first, an extremely old person,
then an expectant mother, then a mother with a child, and then anyone who looks the next oldest. Seats are not
automatically offered, except with the extremely elderly or the expectant mother. The older generation would be
more willing to do this. Unfortunately, the older people do not know English. I have had many conversations on the
metro, but the older people would have the best memories and stories.
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