about Al...

Why would anyone write to a complete stranger and ask personal questions? They need answers. Why else would anyone ask a question? That would appear to be the end of it, but it isn't. Why?

People are more complex and less predictable than we give them credit for - oh yes - and don't forget thin-skinned. Some folks are doers in life and others are watchers. The doers criticize the watchers and the watchers criticize the doers. Most people hate critics ... especially those fragile souls who are trying to accomplish something that depends on their fanatical zeal and unwavering commitment - like maintaining good credit.

Hello. Some people call me Boomer Al. Yes I know - it's corny. I first used it as a tongue-in-cheek name of a newspaper column I wrote. We had originally called the column Surviving Life, but, at the request of an editor, we changed the column name to Ask Boomer Al. It worked. The newspaper started receiving questions addressed to Boomer Al and it became a hit.

The Ask Boomer Al column ended its run after the publisher took ill and sold the newspaper to some folks who changed the format. It was great fun while it lasted. Let's face it ... when you try to give your opinion at home or work, people are inclined to ridicule or ignore you. The Bible teaches you can't be a prophet in your own land, so if you don't believe me, try writing an advice column and watch your family roll their eyes at the thought of YOU doing such a thing.

I was born in 1946. An early boomer. Accepting of our parent's values of the '40s & '50s, some drawn to the flower children of the '60s & '70s, boomers muddled through a period of history that saw America survive the Vietnam experience, go to the moon, experience the pain of assassination, the fall of communism, and the rise Muslim fundamentalism. We raised kids in the funky '70s & '80s and had our recriminations in the '90s. We thought we had a handle on life but now it's about terrorism, liberalism, revisionist history, immigration, a failing educational system & a new century. Gives you the vapors to think of it all.

I've been self-employed, had jobs, served in the military, run for political office, raised kids, and have been married my whole life to the same girl. We have two adult kids who married and blessed us with eight grandkids that we love dearly and never see enough. None of us can undo past decisions. We just go on from here.

Some people are near heroic in their ability to stay positive and fun despite the challenges. I recall the Monty Python comedy group singing a song called Always Look at the Bright Side of Life. Life can be great fun if you learn not to take yourself too seriously. Some of us can't help but get overwhelmed on occasion. I know. Mea culpa. Money, or the lack of it, affects mood as much as anything.

Some people have relationship challenges. Perhaps they don't get it or, worse yet, don't care. Then again, maybe it's out of their control. I'd rather believe that we'd all like to be better at life ... I feel it helps to talk to one another.

I made a reference to Hopalong Cassidy a few days ago. An eighteen year old laughed at me. The Cisco Kid didn't go over any better. She lives with her mom. They never have dinner together and basically, because they have to, live life on the run. She seemed reasonably happy and well adjusted. A mother's love can overcome a lot you know. Yet ... I can't help but wonder how the lack of a well rounded family life would play out with her own kids ... assumming she ever has any. I found out later she already had one. Anyway ... my generational musings simply served as a reminder how easy it is for us to get widely disconnected. She seemed content to laugh at the old fool and dismiss me. Too bad. The young should talk to the old much more than they do. It might help them make better choices. If you don't like people, at least read.

Before the written word, many cultures actually spoke and carried history, wisdom, and philosophies verbally from generation to generation. I fear we're becoming a society of lost souls who no longer read good books, write letters or declarative sentences, or know how to converse with civility. The barbarians are at the gate. It's time to wake up. Talk to me will you ...