I've always felt a little sorry for the generation that came of age in the new Millennium: 9/11, wars and terrorism, a deep recession. Recently, I've begun to see they are more resilient than I'd ever imagined.
Twice in the last week or so I've had the pleasure of sharing a meal with several young people in their late twenties and early thirties. Both times I found myself feeling a little choked up as I listened to their animated conversations about careers, relationships, plans for the weekend -- and for their lives.
Today I was struck by the thought that they've all grown up in the last few years, and I never noticed until now. Kids no longer, with 30 looming up ahead or already in the rearview mirror, they're looking and acting like adults. They've acquired impressive expertise in some areas and excellent skills in many more. They're people who give and take advice well. They seem to be happy and successful.
I read somewhere that a century ago children grew up very quickly and were expected to be grown up in mid-adolescence. People may mature later now, but this generation is looking good in spite of the challenges they faced and conquered. We can stop the hand-wringing!
