All my needs were covered; and my wants, let’s just say a few rules were bent and lies were told – nothing too far away from the truth.I learned to like the things I did not want and shun the things I wish I had or could do.
Growing up, I though I had relatives everywhere – stationed every 20 feet from my house.They lived everywhere and anywhere.Somehow my parents learned of most everything I did; and it was always that “a relative told us that.” Who knows what could have happened if I had found out about these imaginative, self-righteous, and presumptuous relatives – overzealous and jealous tattletales.
I had to make at least one church visit every week – to prepare myself for life after death.Back then, my presence in a church was always noticed.If I managed to miss going to church on any given week, I was told, “We missed you last week. Where were you?” And my parents were notified – in writing.More than once, my father, a die hard Catholic, would indulgently rephrase the question for my mother, a devout Protestant; and then the Middle Ages was relived again.I sat, listened, prayed, and then escorted to the gallows for kindling a war.Soon after, my crazy friends – possible sons and daughters of relatives – confirmed our whereabouts (a mistake that was repeated over and over again.)
My friends were nuts – some of them still are.We did a lot of crazy things; however, we had fun doing them.We, at least I, failed to “learn from your mistakes.” If what we did was fun, I was destined to repeat again – even if it was considered a mistake.I did drive more than a few people down frustration lanes.
I guarantee that the majority of the fun things we did were good, but we did get into trouble for not memorizing prayers and for devouring pilfered unleavened bread.Most of us were reprimanded despite the fact that the faithful were aware that the big “G” knew of everything and therefore, knew that we were “just a kids” then.I am almost certain that the Guy sent us as tests of patience and humility for the adults whom we crossed paths with.It is inexplicable how the adults then were able to maintain their dignity without losing control of their children.
I am now surprised that we, as educated and well-versed adults, have lost control of our youth today.Almost every institution that presumably should keep eyes on our youth has essentially failed.Statistics tell a vivid story and mandates are certainly not being enforced. Many of the young people today are being persuaded to participate in activities that are life threatening – drinking, drug use, and even over indulgence.If the trend continues they will likely forget how to pray,
You and I need to celebrate our youth whole-heartedly.It is our duty to remind the young live long enough and to learn to have conscientious fun; and we must ensure that each one of us looks after every young person. They are the very people who will perpetuate our memories to the future – if sober.Where is your child? How is he or she doing?
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