Where did it go?

Whatever happened to ????.......seems to be a phrase that keeps popping into my mind. I've often written about change and I know that living in the past is detrimental to all of us. Truly, change is growth.

Bridges: Yet, the other day, I was driving across a brand new, multi million dollar span of bridgework. If I hadn't known that the "wide Missouri" was beneath that stretch of highway, I would have assumed that it was just a regular flat road. This bridge didn't resemble a "real" bridge. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned bridge structures? Some of the most iconic, man-made edifices are bridges! The Brooklyn Bridge, the Chain of Rocks Bridge, London Bridge. Gone, like land line phones!

Cell Phones: I refuse to carry my phone with me at all times....and, I won't start doing it. Am I supposed to carry my giant purse around the house all day? My phone (I usually preface that word with a descriptive adjective or two) is too big and heavy, to put into any of my pockets, so, it stays in my purse, in the kitchen. Do I miss calls and texts? Sure. But, usually important calls will come my way again. I miss the REAL convenience of a land phone. My cell phone is a necessary nuisance.

Letters: I received a real letter last week. I think I was so surprised, because I haven't sent a personal letter, myself, in a good many months. It was delightful to be reading a letter. Someone had taken the time to sit down and write to me. Personal emails, texts, etc., are great. But, an actual letter! I remember when personal letters were the norm. Now, the only snail mail we receive these days, is "junk".

Cash: Don't even attempt to pay cash or write a check, at a big-box store. Clerks don't like it. Cards are easier tender and definitely preferred. Or, God-forbid, your necessary item has an unreadable bar-code (scratched or faded). The clerk will freak out, attempt to look it up in a thousand-page print out, or call for a manager. So much for speedy, retail convenience.

I'm certainly not suggesting we return to smoke signals and unpaved roads, but I do miss some "old" stuff. But then, I'm old.

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Lord, overlook, our minor complaints. Our Blessings are many. Thank you for the opportunity to live a long life. We are Blessed, to be able to enjoy so much. Thank you God, for everything.