Day 213 CJSM

Day 213

 

 

Playing ball at the city park with

the little girls; Bapa pitched

 

 

We could always find “entertainment” so long as the event was a “family” pursuit.

Sadly, the modern-man syndrome born of “S-I” (Sophisticated-Idiocy) where each individual human must be self-inflicted “important” has resulted in an epidemic of: Bored! Lonely! Afraid!

Somewhat “humorous” to my imaginative mind (at least, what little bit there might be of it) is the perversion of a too-“easy” life into a tantrum of “victim-me” society and culture.

I grew up poor (blissfully ignorant of the obvious fact-of-life) along with my contemporary citizen-captives but I belonged to a fantastic family and also found safe harbor in my lineage through both Dad and Mom. They taught me to appreciate all the blessings I had showered upon me. Never did I once in 70-some years find life boring---not an instant…not even the slightest hint. “Life is what you make it!” Perhaps there is not much I can be proud of (by worldly standards---if “decent” ones still exist) but Faith! Family! Freedom! reign by my own volition.

We found “entertainment in the adventures we shared; naybe they were not events like jetting off to Paris on the Concord for breakfast, but we had fish fries and watermelon Ice-cold out of a washtub chock full of chipped ice. Picnics at some park or visits to the farm and Fox Lake. Wow!

When my kids came along and, then, more blessings with their children, I had only one wish for them besides “good health”---a happy childhood…for each. And, I endeavored to witness it.

We spent every possible minute with the family, doing “little” things for the simple pleasures.

With a bat and a ball we played in the yard or went to a park or baseball diamond and---Fun!

Out of these forays came a good time, family-fun and, I pray, some life-lessons on reverence.

Children learn as much by example as by any other method; I pray, too, that I am worthy.

I pushed the envelope, lived pretty much on the edge, showed respect to authority when it deserved it and practiced ir-reverence when such was demanded by usurpation by bad actors.

In my opinion: Respect must be earned; it cannot be conscripted.

I took the kids out of school, on occasion, to go with me to play gold; I let them drive the cart.

Sometimes, Oh! God! No! I let them eat dessert before the meal---but…I practiced that, too.

When we went on our “ball-playing” ventures, I made sure the kids hit the ball; if they swung and missed, I offered “My fault. Bad pitch.” (Nanny taught that to Z. Tyler.)

So? Let the good times roll---and…let them begin with me! Amen!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Fun life” Memories!