This morning as I was leaving church, I remembered that the priest had mentioned there would be cement trucks outside getting ready to pour the new sidewalks. As I was walking to my car, I noticed an older man ‘park’ himself about a foot from the area that would soon be freshly poured concrete. He looked on with great anticipation, as if it was 9:15 pm on the 4th of July. When I drove past in my car, I noticed a middle-aged man, holding his three-year-old, walking back towards the cement show, from his car. He must’ve thought they could just walk past without stopping, but the three-year-old had a different idea. Glancing over towards the origi
nal curious senior, I noticed there were now about ten other seniors, also stationed for the upcoming show…and all the while my car continued to drive past them. What has happened to my childlike curiosity? As I drove home I thought about how cool it would’ve been to see that gooey gray cement plop into the frames on the ground. Almost as if on autopilot, my car led me home to write this post.
Living with curiosity is a gift…a gift that many of us leave dusty and faded in childhood. Try to rediscover this gift today. The joy and excitement that it brings is beyond words.
Kim,
I agree that today’s children are far too structured, and I think it’s in large part for fear that they will have too much time on their hands and get in trouble. It’s easier for a parent, but not best for the children. They need to play and invent. I recently wrote an article for our neighborhood newsletter that I thought you’d enjoy reading. I can’t tell you about it or it will spoil the story as it unfolds. Here it is:
Lady Liver Tea
By Debra Gray Walter
She awoke earlier than usual. The sun wasn’t even up, but that didn’t stop her cheery disposition. She was smiling with anticipation of what this day would bring. Everywhere she looked the past few days reminded her of the celebration that was soon to come. Today her plans would finally come to pass, and she couldn’t wait.
First, she gobbled down breakfast – cocoa puffs – her favorite as long as she could remember. Next, she practically skipped to the garage where her project stood awaiting her patriotic attention. The box she needed was just out of reach. She shoved a stool with her foot in just the right place to enable her to retrieve the box with wobbly determination. Finally, holding this precious package she set to work, hoping to finish by 9:00 a.m.
With a trio of streamers she wound them in and out and all around until not a bare spot was seen. There were bells to hang and balloons to tie, but the best part was the crown she had made in class. It looked just like the crown of Lady Liver’s Tea. She wanted to look just like her – standing tall and proud. With her foil-covered flashlight in hand, she
was finally ready and just in time for she could faintly hear the marching music beginning down the street. She hurriedly joined the crowd that had gathered and realized that this was her moment to shine.
She smiled proudly as the others praised her work of art. She admired their decorations as well, and quickly lined up as she was told. Suddenly, the music stopped and everyone was quiet. Not understanding the reverence, she looked up to see all eyes on a beautiful flag – an American flag. Everyone spoke at once with hand over heart:
I pledge allegiance to the flag
Of the United States of America
And to the Republic for which it stands,
One Nation, under God, “in dives a bull”,
With “liver tea” and “just teeth” for all.
There wasn’t a prouder moment in Jenny’s five years. She was about to take part in her first Bicycle Parade for it was the Fourth of July.
Let the show begin! Whoo hoo!
I was thinking when I first skimmed your post in my RSS thing that the old man was going to sit down and watch wet cement dry – and what people comin’ around would do, some not knowing it was wet, etc.
Naturally, I’d be one of THOSE old guys when I grow up; the kind that take down all the signs and warnings about wet cement and then just watch the mayhem that ensues, with a chuckle.
:)