THE YEAR: 2078

Although I am writing this letter at my current time and location, I request that you re-read it in October of 2078, 54 years from my present time. My hope is that you ask your grandkids to submit a list of questions to each of you, questions about your life, significant events, and other questions that you would never have thought of. You know, just as I asked you to do a few years ago.  A refresher of the type of questions that you came up with:

• What is something you wish you knew when you were our age?
• What is a philosophy that you live by that you think leads to a happy life? 
• My perception of you is someone who always knows what to do when trouble comes. Write about a time when were you unsure and afraid.
• What was something as a kid that you could spend hours doing and never get tired of it?

Family Fiction (Not quite science fiction, but close)

Since it is the year 2078, you are your present age – plus 54. Cal (84), Addee (83), Evan (82), Nikki (82), Declan (81), Lexi (81), Kennedy (80), Mattie (80), Amelia (79), Cam (78), Pat (78), Emme (71), Claire (65), and Lily (64). All are retired except for Claire and Lily.

Each of you has kept a journal over the past 50 years, documenting your work, travel, thoughts, and personal experiences. Your journal will have formed the basis for books that will published soon after retiring. Your books will then become valuable historical and family ancestry sources for future generations.

It is impossible to predict the number of grandkids that you have in 2078 but allow me to project based on previous family data. 

Goose and I had 5 kids who produced 14 grandkids, an average of 2.8 kids. I predict that you 14 grandkids will average 2 children each. Some will have more, some less or none for a total of 28 kids. Again, averaging 2 kids per child, that would mean a total of 56 grandkids in 2078.

Obsession with Now

As I write this letter, I am reminded of my generation’s obsession with the “now,” or present time. We seldom think in terms of the future past the next 4 or 5 years. Perhaps, it is because of our preoccupation with our own lives and the few years that we have left before departing this earth. Too many of us, fail to consider the continuing lives of our grandchildren and our future great grandchildren. Has my generation failed them?

How About Your Generation?

Considering that you now have 54 years to be active change agents for the good of your family, mankind, and the environment, you might want to think in terms of planned action. Not just in one or five-year increments, but also in much longer terms. Short term goals have long term implications that cannot be always predicted. Thus, adjustments must be made as new information becomes available. 

You will have lived a wonderful life and have accomplished worthwhile goals that will reward you by saying, “My life has been meaningful. I have made a difference for many others and the next generations.”

Your Grandfather of 138 years,

Poppy