Looking back

A group has formed on Facebook that I am proud to be a member of. This group consists of residents and former residents of a certain geographic location. In reality it could be anywhere but it just so happens it is the eastern end of Long Island. The town of East Hampton to be exact. We would never call it " The Hamptons."

Lately there has been some discussion about changes. The changes that have occurred and changes that possibly should occur. People hate changes. This is particularly true of the residents of East Hampton. It is part of our heritage. Don't go changing things ! Each succeeding generation has witnessed changes and each succeeding generation has complained about it.

The latest thing to change was the closing of a deli. This deli has been operating in this building ,under various owners, for at least sixty years or longer. It was the last Mom and Pop deli in the village. The last vestige of days gone by. The residents bemoan this loss.Well,some do. You see there are two distinct groups in East Hampton. The ones whose families have lived there for several generations and the new comers. The new comers embrace changes.

I am a former resident and have not been to visit this place for a very long time. I'm quite sure I would be shocked to see all the changes. Last time I was there was to bury my father. Graveyards don't change much. Perhaps it would be better for me not to return and have a look around. Just remember things the way they were.

In the larger picture no one should be surprised. This has happened throughout history and we all know history repeats itself. When our ancestors settled Long Island ( Native Americans are always unsettled ) we started making changes. Why ? Because we wanted to raise our families in the manner we were raised. We bought the land from the Indians and built our towns. Then we started living our lives the way we always had. Things stay pretty much the same until interlopers arrive to upset the apple-cart. New ideas and ways of doing things bring about changes. Each generation remembering the last. The older folks complaining about the new. Has always been so and will most likely remain that way.

I think the main thing is we all hate to see our past fading away. The memories of our childhood. The places we played.ate,lived and loved. It is a sad thing to see all that pass.When we have children of our own we all want things to be better for them. So as a result, we make changes.Then we become Grandparents and want to take it all back. We hate the changes and blame it all on this younger generation. Darn kids think they know it all.

I can see the same thing happening right here in Greensboro. I'm a newcomer here, only been here twenty years or so. My son is a town commissioner. Talking about changes to be made. It is these " outsiders " like him that make changes. Thing is, no locals ran for the job. But the locals will complain. I take none of this on a personal level. I'm just an observer. I did join the historical society and have an interest in saving some of Greensboro for future generations.

All things change. It is the acceptance of those changes that causes some pain. Some never do.