The greatest generation was formed first by the Great Depression.
— Tom Brokaw
My parents both experienced the Great Depression.
But their experiences could not have been more different.
My mother's was a "lace curtain" home. As a 10-year old, she was hardly aware, much less affected, by the disquiet outside.
But she did recall vividly that strange men often appeared at the back door, asking for a sandwich.
She also recalled a Thanksgiving when her grandparents fed hot turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes to strangers they gathered in the cellar.
But she did recall vividly that strange men often appeared at the back door, asking for a sandwich.
She also recalled a Thanksgiving when her grandparents fed hot turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes to strangers they gathered in the cellar.
My father's was a much different home.
He never spoke of it, not once, nor of the Great Depression.
I only know things turned so desperate, his dad sent the baby sister to an orphanage.
He never spoke of it, not once, nor of the Great Depression.
I only know things turned so desperate, his dad sent the baby sister to an orphanage.
If you don't believe there are years of pain ahead for countless millions, I envy you.
You're in the camp that hopes this interregnum is V- or W-shaped.
Perhaps you're an optimist, misinformed by leaders, or simply "lace curtain."
