Finally Friday... "Life For Those Born In 1900" - May 8th, 2020

Over the last 7 weeks, I have been flooded with countless texts regarding our current situation. The content and topics of the texts vary greatly by sender. Some are newsworthy, some highlight the heroic efforts of frontline workers, some are sad, some are humorous, some are valuable. Believe me, the range of topics are incredible. The messages that are most valuable to me are the ones that provide me perspective.

This has been a very challenging time for all of us. Especially for those who contracted COVID-19, lost a loved one to it, and for those frontline healthcare workers who are battling it every day.

It has also been a challenging time because it is difficult to discern between what’s a legitimate concern and what is just panic and hysteria. That is why I am placing a premium on perspective.

One text message that I received, I call the “Born in 1900” message. The content below is my version of it. (I added some color and fact checked it.) Because this was sent to me from a colleague who did not know the author, I cannot cite the source. Whoever started this thread thank you! I hope I am doing your original version some justice.

If you were born in 1900…

When You Were A “Kid”

? As you turned 14 years old, World War I began, it lasted four years. 22 million people died in that war.

? As you turned 18 years old, a Spanish Flu pandemic hit the planet and lasted for two years. 50 million people died.

When You Were In Your “Twenties”

? As you turned 20 years old, a new decade of optimism, decadence, and new cultural norms were set into play. It was a great time to be alive. Babe Ruth was your version of Michael Jordan. 

? As you turned 29 years old, the Great Depression began. Unemployment hit 25%, the World’s GDP dropped nearly 30%. For nearly five years, the US and Global economies struggled to make it back.

When You Were “Middle Aged”

? As you turned 39 years old, World War II started. You were not even the “Big 4-0.” The world was in upheaval.   

? As you turned 41 years old, the United States was fully committed into WWII. From 1939 to 1945, 75 million people died in the war.

? As you turned 50 years old, the Korean War began. 5 million people died. 

? As you turned 54 years old, the formal start of the Civil Rights Movement began, and it took way too long to bring justice and liberty to the millions of Americans who were deprived of it.  

? As you turned 55 years old, the threat of Communism became real and the resulting conflict in Southeast Asia – most notably Vietnam, catapulted the US into the Vietnam War. The War did not end for 20 years and 4 million people died.

? As you turned 57 years old, another influenza pandemic hit the US and killed 116,000 Americans. Nearly 1.1 Million people globally died from the virus.

When You Were In Your “Golden Years”

? As you turned 62 years old, the hottest point of the Cold War brought us the Cuban Missile Crisis. During a 13-day period, the very existence of life on Earth was in jeopardy. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, and great leaders prevented an unthinkable disaster from happening. 

? As you turned 63 years old, your President was assassinated. During your lifetime, this was the third President that died while in office.

? As you turned 64 years old, a British Boy Band called the Beatles showed up and performed on the Ed Sullivan Show. You were too focused on retirement to enjoy their arrival. You only commented on their collective need for haircut.

? As you turned 68 years old, the US was entrenched into the worst part of the Vietnam War, your grandchildren were deployed or they were on the verge of being drafted, Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy were assassinated, social unrest was the norm, great cities were in flames.       

? As you turned 75 years old, the Vietnam War finally ended.

This timeline and other historical depictions of tougher times helps me gain perspective. It helps me think of everyone who has come before me and how they handled the challenges that they faced. Reflecting on it and looking at this timeline, I am blessed to say that I have never had it as tough as this. Perspective is an amazing gift. Our perspectives are refined as time goes on. I’m hoping my perspective continues to evolve as we go through this situation. Be well everyone. - Ken Stellon

P.S. – Just a friendly reminder. This Sunday is Mother’s Day. No one on Earth will give you more perspective than her!