Hey there, Mr. Blue

Back at previously mentioned library. Zach has some grown up stuff to do (Grad school paper) and I had work. The last few days are upon us here in NEPA, and after a drive through my old hometown this morning and a few conversations lately, I think it’s safe to say I’m ready.

This morning I had to go to the the dentist. Unlike most people, I eagerly anticipate my appointments; for me, the dentist means clean teeth, a seemingly whiter smile (even if that is just in my head) and a brand new toothbrush, ready for a new zip code. One thing that resonated today, however, was a story I happened to overhear while I waited for my sister to be finished with her appointment.

A mother with two younger girls (probably about 12 and 5) was telling the receptionist about her recent family vacation in Louisiana. While the girls were excited to share details–it was longggg, they offered up–it was what came after that struck me. The mother said in the days following their return home, she learned that her uncle had been shot point blank after an argument over a car. From what I was able to piece together, it seemed as though someone was attempting to hijack the car, he argued, and for his attempt at keeping his car, lost his life. The girls then shared their feelings (he didn’t look like uncle so-and-so, he had a mark on his face where the bullet came out) and I sat there, thinking. On the ride home, my sister (who is about to turn 16) might have summed it up as basically as possible: “If the world is this bad now, how can I ever have kids?” While I am one who usually tries to look for the good in all people, and live with an attitude that lives for the hear and now, I can somewhat understand her logic. With the mentality that the gun is mightier than words and violence is an answer, it’s hard to imagine bringing a child into it all. With the recent birth of a child to a friend of Zach and our visit, you can’t help but think about a child of your own. As we stood looking at him, a thousand thoughts raced through my mind–his first bruised knee, his first family outing, his first girlfriend, his first fight… and then you wonder what the world he lives in will be like. In 19 years, when he’s facing life with the same number of years as I am now, I can’t imagine what type of world he will be a part of. I hope for the best, but often times, it’s difficult to imagine the problems being reversed.

I remember a time when you didn’t have to worry about the cost of gas, how food was going to be put on the table, where the tuition money was coming from, what part of town was safe to walk in after dark–or safe to walk in at all. I think that might have just been childhood, or maybe, there really was a time when it was a bit more simple than it is now. I think the former of the two might be the case, sadly. It’s the learning to adjust to the problems of the world and making it the best it can be in the aspects I personally have control over. While those may not be many, it’s safe to say that it’s enough. I have food to eat, a chance at education, and loved ones around me. While others may not be as lucky, I just hope that when it comes my turn to have a family, the same opportunities might still be within reach.

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