LETTERS: WATCHING THE CHANGING OF THE YEARS

To the editor:

I sat alone on New Year's Eve watching television and waiting for the countdown to usher in a new year, 1998. I preferred it that way so that I could ponder on the many changes I have experienced in my lifetime. I go back many years. I also consider myself blessed.

I remember when the last night of the year was quietly spent among people. Watch parties were simple and not held in the lavish manner they are today. A game of cards interspersed with conversation passed the time until 12 o'clock when the ringing of all the church bells and the sound of shrill whistles from various factories created a hush among listeners. A new year was just beginning.

I remember asking our parents to be sure an awaken my twin sister and me so that we could hear the Lutheran church bell ring very loud and long.

What a change each year has brought, both in observing New Year's and in the immense progress that has come about in this world.

People used to be more timid by nature from what they are today. Children remained children a long time. Today they are growing up to adulthood at an early age.

Lifestyles are completely different. We move at a faster pace, but isn't that the way it should be?

The serenity that once prevailed, I fear, is a thing of the past.

Had medical science progressed as much then in healing and preventing diseases, many people could have been spared, including my dear father and little sister.

How invigorating it will be for all to look forward to the year 2000.

I feel it appropriate to end with the thought of the well-known song, "What a Wonderful World."

PAULA E. KEMPE

Cape Girardeau