As 2024 comes to an end, take a moment to imagine being born in 1900.
At 14, in 1914, you witness the start of World War I.
By the time it ends in 1918, on your 18th birthday, 22 million lives have been lost. That same year, in 1918, the Spanish Flu begins to sweep the globe. By the time the pandemic ends in 1920, you’re 20 years old, and 50 million lives have been claimed.
At 29, in 1929, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment reaches 25%, and global GDP plummets by 27%. For the next four years, the world teeters on the brink of collapse.
At 39, in 1939, World War II begins. By the time you’re 41, in 1941, the U.S. enters the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Between your 39th and 45th birthdays, 75 million lives are lost, including six million in the Holocaust. At 50, in 1950, the Korean War begins, claiming five million lives.
At 62, in 1962, you experience the Cuban Missile Crisis—a moment when the world comes terrifyingly close to nuclear annihilation.
At 64, in 1964, the Vietnam War intensifies. It continues until you’re 75, in 1975, taking four million more lives.
Now think of all those born in 1900. How did they endure such immense hardships? Contrast that with a child born in 1985, who likely thought their 85-year-old grandparent couldn’t understand how tough school was. Yet those grandparents had endured unimaginable trials and survived. Perspective is a powerful thing. As we close out 2024, let’s reflect on history and remember: no storm lasts forever. This too shall pass.
Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
canisgallicus 