Baby Boomers typically have a parent, aunt, uncle or grandparent who lived through the Great Depression of the 1930's.  I remember my mother describing how she worked as a teenager for a dime weekly, changing sheets at a boarding house just to help her family keep food on the table.  Thank God, things aren't that bad now during this Great Recession.

But still, we're hurting.  So many have lost their homes and their jobs.  And depending on where you live,  this Recession shows little indication of abating.  The official unemployment rate in the U.S. remains 9.7 percent, but is as high as 20 percent in some states.  And the "under-employed" rate nationally is around 20 percent.  So, one in three people in our country is suffering from financial hardship.

Baby Boomers in particular have been hit hard by the Recession.  Most have seen their savings dramatically reduced, along with home equity and other backup reserves they harbored.  Retirement dreams were the first victim.  Now, the majority of Boomers are rethinking their situation and grappling with the issues of either continuing to work, trying to get a job, or down sizing their retirement plans.  But there are few jobs for people in their fifties and sixties.  Moreover, many do not have the option - or stamina - of continuing to work at their current employment.  Hence, most Boomers are exploring how they can downsize their retirement plans and make the most of their remaining years.

Contrary to common media portrayal, our generation has not led pampered lives.  We grew up in a society where the standard of living has consistently declined since WWII.  There are few families today that can survive on one income like our "leave it to the beaver" parents.  Boomers have both died in horrendous wars and fought to stop them, with many fleeing our country rather than compromise ideals.  We have ridden out the good and the bad, and we have contributed to and expanded the legacy of our great nation.  While a few may have traveled well-healed paths, most Boomers have known and survived hardship.  And we will survive this Recession and go on to accomplish during our senior years.

Boomers have learned to "make lemonade out of lemons."  Life has taught us to make the best of what we have rather than focus on our losses.  So what if retirement dreams have vanished or must be downsized?  As we enter our sixties, Boomers know that the important things for us are to be able to control use of our own time, to have inner peace, and to give something back to our families and society.  We are thankful for what we have and the opportunity in the fall of our lives to explore new interests.  By simplifying our retirements, we are trading luxuries for the freedom to gain control over how we use every minute of the time remaining to us.  Life is a journey, full of growth opportunities, and this Recession is a cosmic "kick in the butt" for many.  Nevertheless, our generation will not go easily into that dark night, but will continue to play a transforming role that positively affects those around us and future generations.  We've been knocked down, but it ain't over yet, baby!