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In reply to the discussion: I Love Social Security [View all]Oilwellian
(12,647 posts)My eyes welled up with tears while writing it.
My grandparents survived the Great Depression by raising and selling eggs and chickens. They helped a lot of their neighbors and literally prevented them from starving during those difficult times. I'm sure it was that experience that led them to support FDR's New Deal. My grandmother went on to become one of the first telephone operators in the United States. She retired from that career around the same time I was born in the mid 50's, and my most predominant memories of her were her undying devotion and care for my grandfather who suffered a stroke and became blind. It took me many years to realize that is where I learned empathy and the importance of caring for the most vulnerable.
As an aside, and I know you'll get a kick out of this...the first president I remember was Kennedy and my grandmother had his picture hanging on her living room wall. She remained devoted to her liberal roots til the very end. I feel great pride in being her namesake and am passing on those same important lessons to my own grandchildren today.
Thanks so much for your kind words.