Has our “Greatest Generation” become a ‘forgotten generation?’
Anchorman, Tom Brokaw coined the phrase; GREATEST GENERATION. This refers to those born during The Great Depression and this generation – “rebuilt America into a superpower.” And now, for the most part, they have become a forgotten generation.
But not by me – I bring them TEA!
I serve them – educate them – entertain them and honor them – with tea.
In almost a year and a half of bringing tea into senior communities, I cannot tell you of the joy this has given me. I come from the prairies of Saskatchewan with both parents born during the Great Depression. I heard stories of this time period my whole life and most of these were not good stories. Oh, yes, they were part of the big ‘dust bowl’ as well. Most of Saskatchewan was blown away at the same time as the plains of America were being grabbed by this dusty wind terrorist. This was a generation that grew up knowing true hardship, and despite all of that, they were the ones that put North America back together at the end of World War ll and turned it into a “superpower.” And now what has become of them?
Most are in senior communities in your state, in your city and even right there in your 
neighborhood. With the upper ages of the Baby Boomers now joining these senior communities – guess what? A whole lot of folks are now ready to sit down and enjoy tea and a whole lot of folks are longing for attention and affection. Some senior communities bring me in twice a month – this means I see some of them – most of them – more often than their own families.
Does our Greatest Generation deserve to be forgotten? Heck no!
Can a cup of tea put a smile on their faces? You bet it can! I have seen it over and over again. One joy-filled hour can do the human heart and soul so much good. To hear this at the end of a tea talk and demonstration, “I have lived for over 80 years and I learned more about tea in one hour than I knew in my whole life time,” brings me tremendous delight.
As I have shared the photos of my San Diego Senior Sippers via social media, I must also share that several tea companies have seen the joy these events provide and have offered to send me their products in order for me to continue introducing tea to our seniors. How wonderful is that? I certainly welcome more if anyone else is interested in contributing tea to our Greatest Generation. I will say the general preference among the seniors is for flavored teas along with herbal blends.
I do not sell tea to our seniors – I spoil them and make them feel special for one hour of sipping tea – and they totally deserve it.
My mother came from a family of 13 children and my father from a family of 8, so at many of my events it is as if I am looking at all my aging uncles and aunts, so it feels very much like home and I know this is what our seniors miss the most. A sense of home, of company, of taking out the ‘good’ dishes and serving something special and serving it with love – and that’s what I do – and I do it with TEA.
I’d like to personally thank and mention the names of the companies that have sent me tea to share with my senior sippers: Lochan Tea, Global Organic Teas, Tea Affaire, Tea of a Kind, Jas-eTea, Afternoon to Remember, World Flavorz, Daokrajai Tea, Caiyunjian Tea, and EnlighTea.
What a terrific idea Dharlene. I can only imagine the pleasure these people get from your presentation and attention. Truth is, I think everyone would benefit from such a treat. It warms my heart to hear that tea companies have supported this as well. Thanks to each of you for your thoughtfulness. There’s no expectation of profit, just compassion and kindness. If only major companies would take note and choose to function similarly.
Awe, thank you, Michelle. An under-served community now being served TEA and it couldn’t make me happier. I am indeed most grateful to the tea companies that have shared their products with me so that I may share it with our seniors.
You are so right! I too offer a Tea Lectures to many of the Senior Communities here in South Florida. The Seniors are always so politely wonderful and I just love hearing them share their stories! Such fun. Keep up the great work Red!
Hello Barbara …. yes, it is so much fun, isn’t it! So glad you are serving and servicing this group of our society, too. I know of the joy you receive. I’d love to see more people out there entertaining our seniors. They deserve it!
Charlene, what a wonderful way to bring joy to those who oftentimes are forgotten. You exemplify the definition of visionary. Yes, you are a lioness that roars!
Thanks, Josephine and welcome to T Ching! Too many years of not roaring catches up on a girl – glad mine is in a good way! LOL Just as every woman deserves to be heard – every one of our seniors needs to be valued at this time in their lives – and a sip cup of tea is working wonders.