While sitting around his bed and visiting with the parents (my friend and I went), we had such a rollicking good time, we did not even notice it was almost 9:00 before we scurried out.
Everyone in the room was in their 40's and 50's.
The dad was constantly massaging his son's stomach as we told tales of our childhood, and bemoaned the ways things were so different then...Playing outside with neighborhood friends (we had no "play dates" then), and having to settle arguments on our own (our parents didn't meddle in that kind of thing)...Polishing or shining shoes...Drinking out of the hose when you got thirsty (it was warm but it was wet), because your mom didn't want you constantly running in and out...
The other three adults in the room are African American, and they spoke of being admonished to wash extra well, because they were seen by (some) white people as "dirty." This is something I could not relate to, but I certainly could understand. (My mother would loved for me to embrace cleanliness; I was a dusty, dirty tomboy.)
Today, in some neighborhoods there is no evidence that children live there: the parents are too frightened to let them play outside, and so the kids stay in, and instead of playing ball and climbing trees and pretending they're spies, they play video games and learn no give-and-take skills. They become inactive and unimaginative.
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| photo by victoriana216 |
If you're not a perky, peppy 20-something, what are some of your favorite childhood memories? What is unique about your upbringing that you would like to share?
I was raised by my maternal grandparents. That in itself made me different right away. In this day that we're now living, I would be a perfect fit. There are many grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. My grandmother was very strict with me. My grandfather was much easier. I grew up with my aunts and uncles acting more like my older sisters and brothers. My friends' parents were the ages of my oldest aunt and uncle. After retiring as a dairy farmer, my grandfather was a custodian at the local junior high school. He thought teachers walked on water. Hearing how he was in awe of teachers motivated me to pursue the teaching profession. I am thankful he lived long enough to see me fulfill that goal.
ReplyDeleteWow, Barb you had a wonderful family!
ReplyDeleteAs far as some of my favorite childhood memories....drive-in movies, playing in the water sprinkler, playing Indian Ball in the street, buying a snow cone for 10 cents from The Snow Cone Man who came down our street and sold them out of his trunk! (Can you imagine anyone trying that these days!!) LOL
for starters, I believed in Santa until 6th grade...loved to play soccer, had a "private" club with my friends (with membership cards and everything), roller skated and biked my butt off (sometimes at the same time - riding a bike + roller skates on = not a great idea when you want to break with your feet). I had a lot of imagination and, eventhough were super responsible and grown up for my age, the child in me was always up for a good play!
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