Spinoff of Decorating Doors

[hazeleyes46]

2 minutes ago, MCazer said:

Then I think a nod to his Graduation is in order!  Happy Birthday to your daughter and a CONGRATS sign for your son.  

Thanks 🙂

[LMaxwell]

Is he the 18 year old or 24 year old?  I'd have fun with it and hang a banner and decorations in the room 

 

"Joey is 216 months old" or "Mikey is 288 months old".  Innocent fun, the reaction would be priceless. 

[hazeleyes46]

12 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:

Is he the 18 year old or 24 year old?  I'd have fun with it and hang a banner and decorations in the room 

 

"Joey is 216 months old" or "Mikey is 288 months old".  Innocent fun, the reaction would be priceless. 

lol, the 24 year old will be celebrating their bday. The other one is 18. 

[ReneeFLL]

3 hours ago, cruiseguy1016 said:

He's an adult! Tell him to act his age. Is he expecting you to do something nice for her on HIS birthday? Sorry to be rude but, I can't believe this problem exists.

I don't think you are being rude. I was very surprised to find out the ages of the kids. I thought they were young ones.

[Sunshine3601]

5 hours ago, ReneeFLL said:

It's your daughter's birthday and the day should be special for her. It reminds me of the "everyone gets a trophy so they don't feel bad". Maybe she will not feel as special if you also decorate the door for your son. Each child should have their own special day.

 

Exactly what I was thinking as I just started to read this thread.     

Now that I see they are 18 and 24 yrs old I am sure they understand that by this age and won't be upset.

[flamingos]

I second the Congratulations Graduate!  That's an accomplishment!

 

[DrSea]

I am in my early 30s. Reading this thread, I am very glad that my parents didn't play favoritism with me and my sibling. They always tried to divide everything up equally. My sibling and I both got a cruise each time we graduated from a program. With that being said, I recognize that I am incredibly privileged to come from a family that can afford to buy multiple cruises per year and my sibling and I don't need to compete for the same dollar.

[brillohead]

How about generic decorations (for both of them) and just an extra "happy birthday" sign on the actual birthday?

[blueslily]

Wow, birthday cruises for children. Graduation cruises. Etc. Man, I feel like I was majorly slighted by my parents while I was growing up . No one ever gifted me a cruise as a kid.  The first cruise that I ever went on was the one that I paid for, lol. 

 

On a serious note, I have no suggestions for this situation. Others have offered their recs. Good luck. 

 

[cynt]

These spoiled kids drive me crazy. How about just be grateful that you get to cruise. We could leave you at home and just Celebrate your sibling. We could make you pay your own way, your own gratuities and your own excursions. How about thank you mom and dad for allowing me to go. Thank you for working hard and affording us this opportunity to cruise. 

 

I'm from a family of 7 siblings. We were grateful for cake and ice cream on our bday and a few gifts. My First cruise was when I was 30 and I paid for it.

[MJSailors]

    I my view, the Baby Boomer generation of parents and ,now,grandparents have caused a level of entitlement of their children/grandchildren.

As one of my friend’s husband said of his three daughters - “ We created a nightmare !”. It is part of the reason that some children continue to live in their parents’ house, accept that their mothers do their laundry and cook dinner for them nightly without sharing in household chores or helping their parents very much.

  I am not sure where this phenomenon developed. Everyone that I knew in college,class of 1974, worked during that time We paid for our cars or agreed to use the family car and paid for  some tuition, fees and /or textbooks and other expenses.

It was confidence building to have savings in a bank account. Life lessons learned while working a part time job may have been more beneficial than some classes that I took.

     But, I digress. I have thought of another spin to the OP’s “dilemma”.

Perhaps her son was feigning disappointment that the cabin door would be decorated for his sister’s birthday and not for him.Maybe he was joking with his mother?

In a way, I am hoping that was the case !

 

[MCazer]

I don't take this too seriously.  I think it is more of joking kind of thing on the original poster's son's part. Ast least that is how I took it.

 

I know so many twenty somethings. They are hardworking kids. Guess I am lucky. 

 

I'm 58, grew up poor. My husband and I have 2 kids, 26 and 24.  They have gone on wonderful cruises, vacations and we were able to cover their college.  We don't live in a mansion, don't have new cars.  Their memories of those trips far outweigh anything we could have purchased.

 

They are not entitled at all. They have both moved out on their own, they have great jobs and we are so very proud of them.  My husband and I are lucky enough to be able to help them along.  College was $1,500 a semester when I went to college.  $18,000-$22,000 a semester for them.  So much harder on these kids.  Getting a job/career, you need a college degree.  You didn't need that when I was their age.   

We are taking our kids on a cruise next month. It was supposed to happen in 2020, that was for my son's Graduation and daughter getting into her Master's program at Marist. Only 15 people were accepted. Very proud.

 

Well, now this trip is for her Graduation with a Masters and my son getting a job with the New York Health Dept. with his Forensic Science Degree. Daughter will now be the School Psychologist in the school district she did her internship at.

 

As a mom, we want to make it special for them.  Putting up a sign isn't a lot. But it makes them feel happy and acknowledged.  And don't we all want that?  Who is it hurting?  No one.

 

ok, off my soapbox. 

[hazeleyes46]

16 hours ago, DrSea said:

I am in my early 30s. Reading this thread, I am very glad that my parents didn't play favoritism with me and my sibling. They always tried to divide everything up equally. My sibling and I both got a cruise each time we graduated from a program. With that being said, I recognize that I am incredibly privileged to come from a family that can afford to buy multiple cruises per year and my sibling and I don't need to compete for the same dollar.

Mom the same with other things. If one kid got something, the other did too. Birthdays of course were different but even now to this day, if she buys something for one, she does the same for the other and we are in our 40's and 50's lol.

[hazeleyes46]

5 hours ago, cynt said:

These spoiled kids drive me crazy. How about just be grateful that you get to cruise. We could leave you at home and just Celebrate your sibling. We could make you pay your own way, your own gratuities and your own excursions. How about thank you mom and dad for allowing me to go. Thank you for working hard and affording us this opportunity to cruise. 

 

I'm from a family of 7 siblings. We were grateful for cake and ice cream on our bday and a few gifts. My First cruise was when I was 30 and I paid for it.

Actually both kids have to pay for any extra's they want. Drink packages, excursions, casino, etc. We just paid for the fare which we did years ago since we had 2 cruises cancelled and one wasn't even working back then lol. 

That is why we only had 2 kids as we could never afford to do anything over necessity things if we had 7 lol. 

[hazeleyes46]

4 hours ago, MJSailors said:

    I my view, the Baby Boomer generation of parents and ,now,grandparents have caused a level of entitlement of their children/grandchildren.

As one of my friend’s husband said of his three daughters - “ We created a nightmare !”. It is part of the reason that some children continue to live in their parents’ house, accept that their mothers do their laundry and cook dinner for them nightly without sharing in household chores or helping their parents very much.

  I am not sure where this phenomenon developed. Everyone that I knew in college,class of 1974, worked during that time We paid for our cars or agreed to use the family car and paid for  some tuition, fees and /or textbooks and other expenses.

It was confidence building to have savings in a bank account. Life lessons learned while working a part time job may have been more beneficial than some classes that I took.

     But, I digress. I have thought of another spin to the OP’s “dilemma”.

Perhaps her son was feigning disappointment that the cabin door would be decorated for his sister’s birthday and not for him.Maybe he was joking with his mother?

In a way, I am hoping that was the case !

 

Actually my kids pay for a lot of their own things, they also pay for their college. My mother was silent generation and can only spoil her kids and grandkids now as things were tight growing up in the 70's and 80's. 

 

Yeah they don't get along so I guess it was coming from a, why does she only get the door thing lololol. He was actually ok with me buying decorations the other day but I still wanted to include him. I know I am more interested in this then they are but aren't most moms? 🙂

[hazeleyes46]

1 hour ago, MCazer said:

I don't take this too seriously.  I think it is more of joking kind of thing on the original poster's son's part. Ast least that is how I took it.

 

I know so many twenty somethings. They are hardworking kids. Guess I am lucky. 

 

I'm 58, grew up poor. My husband and I have 2 kids, 26 and 24.  They have gone on wonderful cruises, vacations and we were able to cover their college.  We don't live in a mansion, don't have new cars.  Their memories of those trips far outweigh anything we could have purchased.

 

They are not entitled at all. They have both moved out on their own, they have great jobs and we are so very proud of them.  My husband and I are lucky enough to be able to help them along.  College was $1,500 a semester when I went to college.  $18,000-$22,000 a semester for them.  So much harder on these kids.  Getting a job/career, you need a college degree.  You didn't need that when I was their age.   

We are taking our kids on a cruise next month. It was supposed to happen in 2020, that was for my son's Graduation and daughter getting into her Master's program at Marist. Only 15 people were accepted. Very proud.

 

Well, now this trip is for her Graduation with a Masters and my son getting a job with the New York Health Dept. with his Forensic Science Degree. Daughter will now be the School Psychologist in the school district she did her internship at.

 

As a mom, we want to make it special for them.  Putting up a sign isn't a lot. But it makes them feel happy and acknowledged.  And don't we all want that?  Who is it hurting?  No one.

 

ok, off my soapbox. 

Thank you and congratulations to all!!!! My son graduated high school in 2021 and we were planning to celebrate that, my 50th and my daughter's bday all at the same time but now it is really only her lol 

[DrSea]

8 hours ago, MJSailors said:

    I my view, the Baby Boomer generation of parents and ,now,grandparents have caused a level of entitlement of their children/grandchildren.

As one of my friend’s husband said of his three daughters - “ We created a nightmare !”. It is part of the reason that some children continue to live in their parents’ house, accept that their mothers do their laundry and cook dinner for them nightly without sharing in household chores or helping their parents very much.

  I am not sure where this phenomenon developed. Everyone that I knew in college,class of 1974, worked during that time We paid for our cars or agreed to use the family car and paid for  some tuition, fees and /or textbooks and other expenses.

It was confidence building to have savings in a bank account. Life lessons learned while working a part time job may have been more beneficial than some classes that I took.

     But, I digress. I have thought of another spin to the OP’s “dilemma”.

Perhaps her son was feigning disappointment that the cabin door would be decorated for his sister’s birthday and not for him.Maybe he was joking with his mother?

In a way, I am hoping that was the case !

 

This comment made me chuckle. College in 1974 cost like $20 for all 4 years, so of course you could have savings to buy a car and house, which collectively cost like what...$5,000?

 

I work with people 18 to 100 yo in my clinic and the hospital. Sorry to burst your bubble but ALL Americans are entitled, regardless of age. We live in an entitled society, which includes baby boomers. Do some reflection and critical thinking (please). I am sure you can think about how your generation is just as entitled as mine (millennials).

 

You get my point...at least I hope you do.

[DrSea]

6 hours ago, MCazer said:

I don't take this too seriously.  I think it is more of joking kind of thing on the original poster's son's part. Ast least that is how I took it.

 

I know so many twenty somethings. They are hardworking kids. Guess I am lucky. 

 

I'm 58, grew up poor. My husband and I have 2 kids, 26 and 24.  They have gone on wonderful cruises, vacations and we were able to cover their college.  We don't live in a mansion, don't have new cars.  Their memories of those trips far outweigh anything we could have purchased.

 

They are not entitled at all. They have both moved out on their own, they have great jobs and we are so very proud of them.  My husband and I are lucky enough to be able to help them along.  College was $1,500 a semester when I went to college.  $18,000-$22,000 a semester for them.  So much harder on these kids.  Getting a job/career, you need a college degree.  You didn't need that when I was their age.   

We are taking our kids on a cruise next month. It was supposed to happen in 2020, that was for my son's Graduation and daughter getting into her Master's program at Marist. Only 15 people were accepted. Very proud.

 

Well, now this trip is for her Graduation with a Masters and my son getting a job with the New York Health Dept. with his Forensic Science Degree. Daughter will now be the School Psychologist in the school district she did her internship at.

 

As a mom, we want to make it special for them.  Putting up a sign isn't a lot. But it makes them feel happy and acknowledged.  And don't we all want that?  Who is it hurting?  No one.

 

ok, off my soapbox. 

👏 Brava!

 

I didn't see your post until after I wrote mine. You made many of my points for me.

[MJSailors]

DDr Sea- I have given your response to my post some thought. Let me share my python response to you. All generations face challenges and, hopefully ,rewards of some kind.

The rewards can be material-salaries,health benefits generous gifts from loved ones and they can also be spiritual in away- kindness,respect,friendship, support. 

I know many Millenials and some a bit older- Generation XY or Z. I find the nomenclature a bit confusing.They are hard working,generous and thoughtful people.

     My daughter and son in law are both forty- eight. They hold responsible jobs,own their home,and are raising two children -ages 15 and 12 to be thoughtful, kind and appreciative people. While they generously provide for their children, they do not overly indulge them. We ,as grandparents,respect how they have created a loving home for the children,and do not go overboard in showering gifts to them. We are generous ,of course. I Ido slip them some spending money, but that is what Nanas are for,yes?

     To address the Baby Boomer generation being entitled. Are you thinking of Social Security and Medicare benefits? Older Americans appreciate these benefits. We contributed a good number of years for those benefits. No one that I know thinks they are an entitlement. Rather, they are an appreciated addition to some quality of life for older Americans.

     In 1974,the minimum wage was $2.00. If I worked 30 hours at a part time job, that would be a $60 paycheck before withholdings. The average tuition for a public college or university was about $2500 per year. My father bought a 1972 Chevelle  Malibu for close to $4,000. He took a bank loan to purchase the car.

Expenses may have been less 50 years ago,but so was the average income. It is all relative.

 

     Every generation would like a better life for the next generation. We have come to a certain level though where the twenty somethings and thirty somethings are faced with some hard challenges to meet or surpass what their parents were able to attain.Buying a home in the recent real estate market is close to impossible, the job market is difficult also.College loans can be burdensome. I do not envy the place of these young people who are starting out are facing. It is not easy,especially for those that may have been overly indulged by their families. 

     But, I digress. To answer the OP- I am hoping your son was joking bout the decorations.

 

[Travelgrrl]

I too thought the kids were KIDS. I'm an End-Of-The Boom Boomer, and as a single parent, I often took one or the other child on a vacation to Disney or on a cruise, etc. If they ever complained that they weren't going, I just told them "It all evens out in the end". That settled it and they learned that "You git what you git and you don't pitch a fit"! 😁

 

And we are talking about actual children. If my 18 or 24 year old adult child complained about something so insignificant as not being the star of their cruise door, I would ask them to help me find someone more deserving of a free cruise, because it sure isn't them. I actually feel sorry for the OP that she has an adult progeny that she has to mollycoddle in this way!

[DrSea]

2 hours ago, MJSailors said:

DDr Sea- I have given your response to my post some thought. Let me share my python response to you. All generations face challenges and, hopefully ,rewards of some kind.

The rewards can be material-salaries,health benefits generous gifts from loved ones and they can also be spiritual in away- kindness,respect,friendship, support. 

I know many Millenials and some a bit older- Generation XY or Z. I find the nomenclature a bit confusing.They are hard working,generous and thoughtful people.

     My daughter and son in law are both forty- eight. They hold responsible jobs,own their home,and are raising two children -ages 15 and 12 to be thoughtful, kind and appreciative people. While they generously provide for their children, they do not overly indulge them. We ,as grandparents,respect how they have created a loving home for the children,and do not go overboard in showering gifts to them. We are generous ,of course. I Ido slip them some spending money, but that is what Nanas are for,yes?

     To address the Baby Boomer generation being entitled. Are you thinking of Social Security and Medicare benefits? Older Americans appreciate these benefits. We contributed a good number of years for those benefits. No one that I know thinks they are an entitlement. Rather, they are an appreciated addition to some quality of life for older Americans.

     In 1974,the minimum wage was $2.00. If I worked 30 hours at a part time job, that would be a $60 paycheck before withholdings. The average tuition for a public college or university was about $2500 per year. My father bought a 1972 Chevelle  Malibu for close to $4,000. He took a bank loan to purchase the car.

Expenses may have been less 50 years ago,but so was the average income. It is all relative.

 

     Every generation would like a better life for the next generation. We have come to a certain level though where the twenty somethings and thirty somethings are faced with some hard challenges to meet or surpass what their parents were able to attain.Buying a home in the recent real estate market is close to impossible, the job market is difficult also.College loans can be burdensome. I do not envy the place of these young people who are starting out are facing. It is not easy,especially for those that may have been overly indulged by their families. 

     But, I digress. To answer the OP- I am hoping your son was joking bout the decorations.

 

It goes well beyond Medicare and SS. Entitlement is a mindset/attitude/view of the world. I work in a specialty where my patients skew older. So I have experience working with many boomers. Most boomers are very entitled, as is the typical American. I of course say this as a red blooded American born and raised here stateside.

 

I know I am the exception from the typical Millennial. I have bank savings, which the average Millennial just doesn't have. My income potential is very high and just depends on how many days of clinic/rounding/overnight coverage that I want to do. But I am the exception to the rule. I realize how incredibly privileged I am to be in a position to not to stress about money. My generation absolutely faces many hurdles.  There are many papers written on how our income is just out paced by how much everything costs. I am not a business person, so I will let others chime in if they would like.

 

My strong recommendation is for you to do more self-reflection. One of the greatest aspects of traveling is meeting new people and cultures that serve as a foil/mirror to me/America as a whole. They can provide a lot of insight. Self-reflection is something that most Americans don't do very well.

 

Being entitled is even apart of the "Ugly American" stereotype where we feel so entitled to go to different countries with our boorish behavior and ignorance of and unconcern for the local culture.

 

Think deeper.

[MJSailors]

Dr Sea- This will be my final response to you. As you continue your profession and your life, I hope that you continue to think deep and do meaningful self reflection so that you have an understanding of people that you meet and those in the world in general. Empathy is a very good quality for a person to have on their life’s journey.

    A little background of my life which is nearing seventy years. Teaching is my profession. I retired from Elementary Education after thirty- five years in the profession. My first teaching assignment was in a working class neighborhood whose residents were immigrants from China, South Korea, the Philippines, many South American and Central American countries, Ireland, Poland, Cuba ,Haiti, and Italy. It was a true United Nations. Everyone got along. There were few discipline problems. The kids in my second grade classes were terrific and the parents were my support team. Those kids were so appreciative of any treats or fun activities that I could think of for them to do in my classroom.

A few months ago, I received a note from a former student who is probably in her late forties. She reminisced about her school days and mentioned that I had made the class Rice Krispie treats. She had never had them and she was so delighted to have the treat in my class. She said that day was so special to her,she never forgot it. I learned so much from those students.

     Now,go forward to my last teaching assignment ten years after my first teaching job. It was a Title1 school. Funds were allotted that school from the Federal Government to improve reading and math skills. Many of the students lived in Section 8 housing. I was a Reading Specialist for the school and I taught students from Kindergarten to Sixth Grade. They were great kids. They struggled,not only acedemically but in dealing with their lives. The teachers in my department made sure they had a safe and comfortable place to be when they came into our classrooms. We had empathy and understanding of them. Some blossomed and some succumbed to the harsh realities of their lives. We tried for each of those kids. They were great kids. They had heart,some had great senses of humor and some were so hurt, the best they could do was come to class.I learned so much from those students.

   I agree that travel gives us experiences beyond our small lives. We should approach visiting another state or country as to what we can learn from the experience and not be constantly comparing the way of life in a foreign place to what we are used to at home. My husband and I have traveled to Europe,Canada,Mexico,The Caribbean,Bermuda and extensively in the US. We do not conduct ourselves as “Ugly Americans”. We try to let others know that there are Americans who are intelligent, kind and appreciative .

     We have been able to travel out of our small world and we are grateful for the opportunities we have been given. However, all my life experiences,so far, have given me understanding of others and a sense of gratitude,not entitlement.

   Something else that I will share with you being that you are in the medical field,you may understand the love and commitment I had for my parents. My father was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease when I was twenty. I helped my mother care for him at their home for seven years. We lost him when I was twenty-seven. My husband and I cared for my mother in our home for fifteen years. She left us at age ninety- three. I was forty-seven

My parents were wonderful to me. I couldn’t do enough for them. That is probably why I have little patience with grown children who do not show respect,appreciation and care for their parents who seem to bend over backwards to please their children.

    I wish you a long and blessed life. I hope you will always have the time for self reflection and deep thinking. I also hope you have empathy and kindness to those in your life especially those you meet in the clinical setting,

    Finally,I will say that I hope the OP’s son was joking with his Mom about the door decorations.😉

 

 

 

 

[hazeleyes46]

15 hours ago, MJSailors said:

DDr Sea- I have given your response to my post some thought. Let me share my python response to you. All generations face challenges and, hopefully ,rewards of some kind.

The rewards can be material-salaries,health benefits generous gifts from loved ones and they can also be spiritual in away- kindness,respect,friendship, support. 

I know many Millenials and some a bit older- Generation XY or Z. I find the nomenclature a bit confusing.They are hard working,generous and thoughtful people.

     My daughter and son in law are both forty- eight. They hold responsible jobs,own their home,and are raising two children -ages 15 and 12 to be thoughtful, kind and appreciative people. While they generously provide for their children, they do not overly indulge them. We ,as grandparents,respect how they have created a loving home for the children,and do not go overboard in showering gifts to them. We are generous ,of course. I Ido slip them some spending money, but that is what Nanas are for,yes?

     To address the Baby Boomer generation being entitled. Are you thinking of Social Security and Medicare benefits? Older Americans appreciate these benefits. We contributed a good number of years for those benefits. No one that I know thinks they are an entitlement. Rather, they are an appreciated addition to some quality of life for older Americans.

     In 1974,the minimum wage was $2.00. If I worked 30 hours at a part time job, that would be a $60 paycheck before withholdings. The average tuition for a public college or university was about $2500 per year. My father bought a 1972 Chevelle  Malibu for close to $4,000. He took a bank loan to purchase the car.

Expenses may have been less 50 years ago,but so was the average income. It is all relative.

 

     Every generation would like a better life for the next generation. We have come to a certain level though where the twenty somethings and thirty somethings are faced with some hard challenges to meet or surpass what their parents were able to attain.Buying a home in the recent real estate market is close to impossible, the job market is difficult also.College loans can be burdensome. I do not envy the place of these young people who are starting out are facing. It is not easy,especially for those that may have been overly indulged by their families. 

     But, I digress. To answer the OP- I am hoping your son was joking bout the decorations.

 

Thank you 🙂

[hazeleyes46]

14 hours ago, Travelgrrl said:

I too thought the kids were KIDS. I'm an End-Of-The Boom Boomer, and as a single parent, I often took one or the other child on a vacation to Disney or on a cruise, etc. If they ever complained that they weren't going, I just told them "It all evens out in the end". That settled it and they learned that "You git what you git and you don't pitch a fit"! 😁

 

And we are talking about actual children. If my 18 or 24 year old adult child complained about something so insignificant as not being the star of their cruise door, I would ask them to help me find someone more deserving of a free cruise, because it sure isn't them. I actually feel sorry for the OP that she has an adult progeny that she has to mollycoddle in this way!

The youngest really hasn't had anything big like that and while he seems to be ok with it, I get it. 

[DrSea]

On 7/19/2022 at 9:03 PM, MJSailors said:

Dr Sea- This will be my final response to you. As you continue your profession and your life, I hope that you continue to think deep and do meaningful self reflection so that you have an understanding of people that you meet and those in the world in general. Empathy is a very good quality for a person to have on their life’s journey.

    A little background of my life which is nearing seventy years. Teaching is my profession. I retired from Elementary Education after thirty- five years in the profession. My first teaching assignment was in a working class neighborhood whose residents were immigrants from China, South Korea, the Philippines, many South American and Central American countries, Ireland, Poland, Cuba ,Haiti, and Italy. It was a true United Nations. Everyone got along. There were few discipline problems. The kids in my second grade classes were terrific and the parents were my support team. Those kids were so appreciative of any treats or fun activities that I could think of for them to do in my classroom.

A few months ago, I received a note from a former student who is probably in her late forties. She reminisced about her school days and mentioned that I had made the class Rice Krispie treats. She had never had them and she was so delighted to have the treat in my class. She said that day was so special to her,she never forgot it. I learned so much from those students.

     Now,go forward to my last teaching assignment ten years after my first teaching job. It was a Title1 school. Funds were allotted that school from the Federal Government to improve reading and math skills. Many of the students lived in Section 8 housing. I was a Reading Specialist for the school and I taught students from Kindergarten to Sixth Grade. They were great kids. They struggled,not only acedemically but in dealing with their lives. The teachers in my department made sure they had a safe and comfortable place to be when they came into our classrooms. We had empathy and understanding of them. Some blossomed and some succumbed to the harsh realities of their lives. We tried for each of those kids. They were great kids. They had heart,some had great senses of humor and some were so hurt, the best they could do was come to class.I learned so much from those students.

   I agree that travel gives us experiences beyond our small lives. We should approach visiting another state or country as to what we can learn from the experience and not be constantly comparing the way of life in a foreign place to what we are used to at home. My husband and I have traveled to Europe,Canada,Mexico,The Caribbean,Bermuda and extensively in the US. We do not conduct ourselves as “Ugly Americans”. We try to let others know that there are Americans who are intelligent, kind and appreciative .

     We have been able to travel out of our small world and we are grateful for the opportunities we have been given. However, all my life experiences,so far, have given me understanding of others and a sense of gratitude,not entitlement.

   Something else that I will share with you being that you are in the medical field,you may understand the love and commitment I had for my parents. My father was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease when I was twenty. I helped my mother care for him at their home for seven years. We lost him when I was twenty-seven. My husband and I cared for my mother in our home for fifteen years. She left us at age ninety- three. I was forty-seven

My parents were wonderful to me. I couldn’t do enough for them. That is probably why I have little patience with grown children who do not show respect,appreciation and care for their parents who seem to bend over backwards to please their children.

    I wish you a long and blessed life. I hope you will always have the time for self reflection and deep thinking. I also hope you have empathy and kindness to those in your life especially those you meet in the clinical setting,

    Finally,I will say that I hope the OP’s son was joking with his Mom about the door decorations.😉

 

 

 

 

I am just now seeing this as it didn't show up in my notification.

 

I am a teacher too. I teach medical students, residents, etc. And I work with many people who get section 8 housing, Medicaid, SNAP benefits, etc. If find these people to be the most grateful for my care.

 

Thank you for sharing with me your background, but my points still stand that the average American, including boomers, are entitled and that the average Millennial is screwed by an unfair system.