not everything sucks these days

      We all do it—complain, much as our own parents did, about all the things that aren’t as good as in “the old days.” Technology has spoiled us, ruined communication, killed civility and rudimentary politeness.

      And most of that is true, of course. But let’s face it, not everything sucks these days.

      Admit it, don’t you just love it…

      When you’re trying to summon the name of that handsome actor in that famous war movie, and it’s driving you crazy as you try to do it without help, and you can google it instead of waiting till morning to call the public library reference desk.

      Or when you need the once-pricey but so essential meds your insurance plan wouldn’t cover 25 years ago—like my migraine pills—and you can now buy them in an inexpensive generic. No more suffering through a regimen of ineffective or drowsy-making cheaper substitutes.

      And when you plan to meet a friend somewhere and they’re delayed or get lost or have an accident, they can reach you on your cellphone so you don’t have to wonder and worry what the hell happened to them (think of poor Cary Grant waiting at the top of the Empire State Building for Deborah Kerr).

      Think of when you’re racing to an important appointment but need to stop for gas and fear that that will make you late, you know you can pay at the pump instead of having to go inside and wait in line while everybody else buys cigarettes or chips.

      And when you literally don’t have a cent on you but need to pick up a few groceries on the way home, and you can buy as much or as little as you want with your credit card. Charging $1.96 seems absolutely decadent but, boy, am I grateful!

      Or when you’re expecting that important call and don’t even think twice about leaving home, knowing you can be reached anywhere anytime. No more staying glued to the landline at home, lest you miss the call back from the doctor or job interviewer or that certain someone.

      And when you’re traveling and encounter an unfamiliar and daunting ticket machine and you’re struggling to buy a damn ticket when someone comes over to help—or, better yet, even do it for you—likely because you’re old.

      Or when you call to cancel your longtime beloved newspaper subscription because you’re on a fixed income and can’t afford it at full price, and the “retention specialist” agrees to continue the half-price special for another year.

      And when you’re feeling bone-tired and cranky but force yourself to go to your free (thanks to a Silver Sneakers membership) Zumba class, and an hour later you emerge energized and smiling.

      Or when you have your pick of seats in the movie theater at a showing of a popular new film because you’re retired and can go anytime during the day, and at the senior price at that (which is even cheaper than the small popcorn).

      A version of this story first appeared in Crow’s Feet, a Medium publication.