To the Journal editor:

For those of us of a certain age (okay, old), reflecting on bygone days can often assume a melancholic tinge as so much has changed. Of course, younger folks might reasonably ask: “Well, oldtimer, what was so good about it? Talk to us.” One has to applaud their curiosity. After all, between the current pace of social change (read: mercurial) and society’s entrenched generational divisions, folks on different ends of life’s journey may seldom relate.

Maybe that’s what I’m missing most: finding ways to connect with others. In the past, heartfelt letters and long phone calls were the norm; extended families, too, with friends and relations everywhere. But now, after 73 years in this very mortal coil – with the hard won lessons, skills and joys entailed, who would heed them? Yet I hear this is a common lament.

Without getting too sentimental, it seems folks were just made to relate. Generations were meant to connect, and most of these new-fangled modes of communication, seem pretty heartless. I remember Joni Mitchell once crooned: “Something’s lost but something’s gained in living every day.” Guess I’m just frettin’ the lost part.

R. Jay Allain

Marquette