Ask us what the word “occupy” means to us and we will tell you, “to stand or be in somewhere” or “claim ownership of somewhere.” Many of us have heard of the turmoil going on across this nation associated with the Occupy movement but, to be honest, we don’t quite understand it.
Throughout our many years, we have seen movement after movement come and go, some changing the face of our country some not, and most of us didn’t understand any of them. We were bystanders in the race to change the world, and we are okay with that.
In every generation there is a passionate group of people who seek to do battle with whatever injustice there is going on. Good for them, we hope they do. We’ve lived through a few movements ourselves. Many of us were shocked when we saw segregated restrooms in our travels around the country. One of us even recalls getting in the wrong line. Who knew? A toilet is a toilet. Then, we witnessed a movement that led to change for the better.
Though we aren’t very familiar with the Occupy movement, we do know, the world is changing, our country is in a recession, and for many people, things don’t seem to be getting better. Are you unsure about what direction our world is going right now? We understand that.
We’ve seen a depression, and the terrors that came with it. Believe us, this recession isn’t anything compared to that. Do you want to talk about change? In our lifetime, our country has been at its lowest and its highest points. When the most difficult times were upon us, we were confused and frightened about what was going on and what all of this “change” meant for us and our families. And then came the high times, and those were great, but there were still people who weren’t happy.
The only thing for sure in this world is that things change. That change can be for the better or worse, but it is hard regardless, and it seems to take a lot of people and sacrifice to make it happen. So to those of you reading this who, like many of us, are confused and scared about where this world is going, please believe that you are not the only ones to ever feel this way. Be assured that things change, and it is usually for the better, and that after this time is over, there will be another, and another after that.
We are blessed to live in this country, but sometimes we fall on hard times. When we do, we just keep going and we do the best with what we have, and you learn from those who have lived through hard times.
If you think times are hard, if you think it’s scary, and you think there is no hope for the world, come and “occupy” the nearest assisted living community near you, and ask us how we found hope in our time. We made it through, and we have faith that you will too.
Mildred Brodbeck and BettyAnn Neilson are residents at Castle Country Assisted Living’s Cantril House in Castle Rock.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an online-only column and has not been edited.
