I occasionally think about my childhood days and recall the simple blessings I had that so many children have never known.
I had to ride the bus to school every day. [Well, that wasn’t one of the blessings I was talking about here, but I’ll get to that in just a minute.] When I went to elementary school at Spruce Pine, the buses were so packed that standing up was a given. Students stood in the aisle from the back of the bus to the front. We would have to hold on to the seats for dear life, because those sudden stops and starts would be similar to a domino effect as far as one student falling into the one in front of the other with the exception of falling all the way down. There just wasn’t enough space between us for that.
That was just part of our daily life. Even older students, including seniors, rode the bus to school in the 1960’s. There were very few who had access to a car to drive. Back then, most families only had one car, and that one was driven to work by our dads because our mothers stayed at home.
The blessings I was talking about was knowing my mother would be at home after school and have an after-school snack ready for us. My brother and I would change from our school clothes into our play clothes and, after a snack, would go outside. We would pet our dogs, ride our bicycles, and climb trees; we had fun playing and just being kids.
As soon as I’d hear my daddy’s truck pull into the driveway, I’d run like an Olympian straight into his arms. His hugs were one of my many childhood memories I’ll never forget. I never had any idea that Sunday night, March 2, 1970 would be the last hug I’d ever get from him. I still miss his hugs every day, but I wouldn’t take anything for the ones I got.
I think children “now-a-days” are more in need of big hugs, afternoon snacks, a mother’s smiling face and hearing her ask how your day was. I enjoyed coming home to all these wonderful things. With two parents working, it’s so close now to a thing of the past.
As a small reminder, though, if you are a parent who doesn’t work outside the home or you can be at home in the afternoon when your child gets in from school, please welcome them in every way you know how. If you can’t think of any on your own, you are welcome to use the ones I’ve mentioned.
Sometimes a parent will forget that kids can have bad days at school. There are some teachers who will bring a bad attitude to school with them. I was around a few when my boys went to school. Along with that, now, are the school bullies who want to beat on, make fun of and tease others. It’s no fun to be picked on.
So, when your child walks through the door after school, it’s important to do everything you can to show how much you love and appreciate your child. Give them a peaceful and loving environment to come home to. Give them a hug full of love and compassion.
My mother and daddy were both home at night, most of the time. Daddy went to went to lodge meetings and union meetings and got home later at night a few times, but I’d get to see him before I went to bed. Two blessings were received every night at bedtime, which were hugs and “I love you’s” from my parents, the perfect way to end each day. I always went to bed feeling safe and loved.
There are ways we can simplify a child’s struggles. We must touch their hearts by touching our child. They need lots of hugs and time devoted totally to them. Remember the things that mean the most: The “I love you’s,” the “I’m sorries,” and the “I’m here for you’s if you ever need to talk.”
Nature was my playground, and the things in nature were my toys. My parents’ love was my world. Please, give your children the world while you can.
Until later, be nice and hug often!
