Yamashita: The pandemic generation will learn to succeed – Guam Pacific Daily News

From a 6-foot distance, I watched a nana struggle with the card machine. I so wanted to step forward and help.

As a baby boomer, the pandemic constraints have impacted me deeply. As a graduate of human development family studies, my brain has sizzled synapses even as I try to muffle them. I worry about the effects from lost human interaction.

Helping others is a trait often associated with those of us born between 1946-1964. As our parents and grandparents survived the Great Depression and World War II, resulting babies have had incredible opportunities to work and enjoy life. We have been expected to realize big dreams. After life survived by the Greatest Generation, there was no reason for us not to reach goals. We were taught that with hard work, we could do whatever we wanted. Generations before us delivered what most parents want a better life for their families.

So, adjusting to constraints has been hard. In particular, the way we interact with others has been difficult. Half the time, I cant recognize another person. Then, I swear the mask worsens my hearing. I miss hugging the folks I miss. Relationships have had to tone down.

I fret that people will be forever frightened to return to a life of laughter and joy. Such a sad thought.

We must believe we are beating the germ warfare. While death is a part of life, it cannot be the focus. Vaccinations, steady hospitalization rates, available treatment are here to help us live with optimism.

Every sign I see of life returning brings a smile to my tired soul. Eric and I sat in traffic as road work prolonged the drive. The progress on roads is a good sign life moves forward. But, what was even more reassuring were the many drivers who allowed others to merge into their lanes. Calm kindness is needed.

Back to nana and the debit machine. I watched the service agent at the checkout counter to help. She answered questions more than once. She showed nana how to punch in the codes. She was patient and reassuring. She was a great teacher. I thanked God for her.

And, nana? She was a good student. She listened. She asked questions until she understood. If she was flustered the way I usually get with the technology gismos she didnt show it. She succeeded at paying. Then, she told her young granddaughter she would carry the bag because it had the eggs. I smiled. This was such a loving snapshot of a Guam family.

My brain has me speculating that the pandemic generation will be poster children for teleworking, resourcefulness, and problem-solving. My human development family studies mind has me thinking that families, teachers, churches and worksites have much work to do as family members learn how to succeed with life as social beings. Health, happiness and success are about relationships. Guam can rebound as always. Weve got this, Guam. Together, weve got this.

Aline Yamashita, Ph.D., is a teacher, single mother and former senator.

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Yamashita: The pandemic generation will learn to succeed - Guam Pacific Daily News