We are so fortunate in this country with our many freedoms. Freedom of expressing oneself (as long as you don't step on too many toes), freedom to write and express your many thoughts and ideas. Freedom, freedom, freedom ... go out and shout it from the roof tops.
The Daily Star and the many other news media are to be lauded for the freedom of press. I have read for years the pros and cons of many a controversial subject and still newspaper space is given to each aspiring writer.
"To be or not to be ..." always remained undecided as to what is the best for the populace. Pros and cons ... who can decide?
Sometimes we agree with what is said and sometime not. But, nevertheless, the freedom is there to express.
What I have seen down through the years is that there are always consequences that go along with our decisions and actions.
Yes ... consequences for our actions ... but still I have the freedom of choice.
Decisions have been made throughout the years, and with some successes, but as a whole when looking back at the worldly scene a person must admit to humankind's failures.
Peace, security, happiness and the well being for all is certainly not within reach of every individual on our planet (as we would like ... at least I feel that way.)
I guess all this and the many experiences with their outcomes have filled a multitude of history books and I haven't had the lifetime to read them all.
But this I can truthfully say, what the local folks would relate to "What comes around ... goes around." Better yet is the proverbial quote, "You reap what you sow."
The older I get the more I can look back on life and the possibilities of when I could have done better.
Experience is the best teacher, or so is said. But when growing up that is not applicable, for a timeframe needs to be adhered to and there are not too many young people who want to be advised by us oldsters as to our mistakes or successes.
My parents always seemed to give us three siblings more then they had in life and we were well taken care of. Guidance, security and a healthy environment meant a lot, but now, today, as I look back, there was something that I do not agree with.
Perhaps it was a popular parental ruling, for many back in the 1930s, but having raised three children ourselves the direction of "being seen and not heard" is not an advantageous one.
Maybe this was said relative to the dinner table for that was a time of family togetherness, and there was so much to relate as to the day's activities. With seven in our family (for our grandparents lived with us) you can just imagine the hubbub with seven mouths all going at the same time. Control was needed.
This was also a good time for reminders as to correct behavior and good table manners. There was more social convention or etiquette back then as there is today. This we learned and adhered to.
How can parents know what a child is really thinking or what is in his or her heart unless there is communication and, of course, freedom of self expression?
True ... many a time it can be something we don't approve of but then how can we give guidance unless we know the facts ... all the facts?
As the wise King Solomon advised at Ecclesiastes 3:1, "For everything there is an appointed time, even a time for any affair under the sun ... ." That is certainly good admonition since every child deserves quality time with a loving parent on a one-to-one basis.
Even though imperfect, we tried our best.
Elaine W. Kniskern is a 79-year-old resident of Schenevus and a grandmother of five. She can reached at elaine-kniskern@stny.rr.com. 'Senior Scene' columns can be found at www.thedailystar.com/seniorscene.
Senior scene
Looking Back: Freedom to speak your mind important for children, too
- Senior scene
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Looking Back: A sad ending for adorable, sweet Taffy-toes
Another unwanted drop-off? Yes and so I must write this.
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As Time Goes By: Dealing with side effect of pills can really be a pain
At age 76, I find myself incontinent. Actually the problem started well before that date but now it has gone beyond "a problem," to "holy smoke the dam broke."
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From the Office: Try spring cleaning, organizing for stress release
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Looking Back: Take your time, think ahead before making decisions
A lifetime may seem forever for some, especially when we were young and couldn't wait to grow up and get to do all things we saw the adults do. Come to think of it, perhaps that wasn't too good.
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As Time Goes By: Getting sick in the southern sun
I went and did it - I have heard about southern hospitality so much that I thought I would see if it extended to the hospitals as well.
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From the Office: Despite professional advice, we still eat too much sodium
High blood pressure affects many seniors, putting them at risk of heart disease and stroke. The risks are much higher if they have diabetes, too.
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Looking Back: Shopping just isn't the same when you get older
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Social Security: Learn more about Social Security's own 'Final Four'
A fellow Social Security employee wrote this entertaining and informative article and shared it with me. I think it's worth sharing with all of you. Hope you enjoy it…
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As Time Goes By: Coming of age in the grocery store
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From the Office: Ensure you are safe when you take to the roads
The ability to drive is something that most of us count on, whether it be to get to work, shopping, medical or other appointments, visiting friends and family and any number of other activities. When the vehicle or the driver is out of commission, life can certainly be more difficult.
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Looking Back: What's in name? Sometimes a lot when talking about pets
When remembering years gone by, I always think fondly of the many delightful pets we had. I still miss them as each one had their own distinct personality that was so enchanting, entertaining and even sometimes exasperating.
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As Time Goes By: Tell my leg to stop pulling my leg
After 76 years of living with it, I have decided that my right leg has a mind of its own.
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From the Office: Don't miss a deduction when filing taxes this year
Happy New Year, everyone! It is that time of year when we are busy getting our tax paperwork in order. Before filing your taxes, don't miss out on deductions related to medical expenses and other costs that come out of your wallet, especially if you care for a family member throughout the year.
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Looking Back: Belief of life after death offers tranquility
As I write this column tears of sadness have been shed. I didn't think I could express myself for fear of sounding so remorseful to the point of despair.
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Social Security: Website now offers more through my Social Security portal
Happy New Year! As we enter 2013, I want to share some exciting news regarding recent enhancements made to our website. Take a look at the following news release that came out Jan. 7 from Social Security's press office, telling us all about a new service available to the public.
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As Time Goes By: It's a New Year and why am I still hung over?
Here we are, New Year's revelry has passed and now for those who imbibed too much the "price" must be paid.
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From the Office: Stay warm during cold winter months to avoid hypothermia
The winter months can be a difficult and dangerous time for anyone living in this area of the country where temperatures regularly fall below freezing.
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It helps to face old age with a happy heart
How do old folks feel when it comes to living through that time in their lives? Well, I’m at the 80-year mark now, and believe me, this is not what is said to be “Golden Years� in any form whatsoever!
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Social Security: An oldie but goodie on Frosty the Snowman and direct deposit
Yes, it's that time of year again -- time to go through my dad's old holiday articles and choose one to share with everyone.
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As Time Goes By: It's that time of year -- time for Christmas memories
"Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat -- please put a penny in the old man's hat." With those words my mother would herald the season of gift-giving which usually started a few weeks before the 25th of December.
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Looking Back: A sad ending for adorable, sweet Taffy-toes
