Recently a birth announcement arrived from Connecticut. My nephew and his wife are new parents of daughter. The accompanying photograph confirms each of us arrive as beautiful human beings with hope and unlimited potential. By age 6 or 7, she will have more knowledge of the physical world than I have acquired in seven decades.
Looking at Susan Christina Lilly’s picture triggers a few thoughts. As far as formal schooling goes, my parents had next to none. Typical for their generation, Mom and Dad educated themselves and were examples for their children and grandchildren. Maybe Dad’s collar was blue but his mind was pure gold. As a result, there are a few doctorate degrees on the family tree. I appreciate having relatives with advanced degrees; it offsets us non-achievers.
Having lived in large cities, it is easy to compare our environments. Things move slowly here if at all. Although the interstate has an interchange a mile south of town, it killed local commerce. Except for a Walmart 15 miles away, you need to drive an hour or more to buy goods. While I consider it a blessing, it is likely difficult for our consumption-orientated society to accept. My great-niece probably has it all within walking distance.
Unobstructed by lights, my sky is a canvas of stars, meteorites and vast emptiness. She will visit a planetarium. I live among deer, wild hogs, turkeys and other creatures. She will look into a wire cage. The best part of my community are the citizens. Local residents know how to fix things. There is no need to call a repairman. They know each other and transactions are arranged with a handshake. Best of all, they share. A friend keeps me supplied with fresh vegetables. I hope Suzy can experience a red potato that is so fresh that you rinse the skin off with water. That’s right; no peeler is necessary.
