Our Neighborhood
As a kid in the city, we played with every kid on our end of the block; race or creed didn’t matter. We were each an equal part of our playing community. Our friends were important, especially when we took care of our younger siblings or watched out for the safety of the neighbor’s younger children as we played. Together we supported and stood up for each other, whether in a neighborhood squabble or on the school ground. Our spirit of togetherness was tight when we were indoors or scrambling around outside. We had huge imaginations, whether it was where to place a bridge for our little cars and trucks in the yard or how to build a tent hideout in our bedroom.Our Personal Habits
If we were in organized scouts or not, we tried to be mindful of each of the following areas of life: Trust, Loyalty, Helpfulness, Courtesy, Kindness. Most often we told the truth when interrogated. We tried to obey our parents whether other kids obeyed theirs or not. We always showed respect for our elders.It was such a pleasure to use the public library. Reading transported our minds to far-off places, and we learned many new things. We were encouraged to save part of our allowance and any money earned from returning pop bottles. We were proud to start a little bank account of our very own where we could save money in order to buy something special. That ability always gave us real satisfaction.
Good grades in school were expected, and we attempted to make them. The goal of perfection on tests didn’t ruin our lives.
Religion was part of our lives. We looked forward to dressing up to go to church. The rules we learned may have saved us from several disasters in our lives.
Next Generation, I hope these will help you along the roadway of life.
“What mattered still matters; being a kind generation. As it was then, it can be today, when we care about others.”
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