The Falling of Innocence

    Fall has come upon us here in northern Minnesota. That means cooler weather in the mornings and beautiful, crisp afternoons. Fall means harvesting for farm families like my own. Harvesting black beans, soybeans and sugar beets are my family’s focus now. Personally, I look forward to opening up the windows and feeling that cool, clean air in the house. We’ve had a lot of hot (85+ degree) days this summer and by now everyone could use some comfortable (55-60 degree) days. Fall also means back to school for two of my grandkids along with my daughter and daughter-in-law. I remember it well and starting seemed to be the hardest, trying to get used to your new teacher, school, and making new friends. After a week or so, the kids get used to the schedule and appreciate knowing what to expect when. Having some structure after spending most of the summer free and easy is a welcome change even though they may not admit it.

    My August started out with my granddaughter, Kena having a sleepover. Her brother had tonsil surgery and I welcomed having her stay. When Kena was spending the time with me, we talked about a lot of stuff while playing cards (King’s Korner of course!) She told me how she likes to keep her hair behind her ears so people can see her hearing aids. We didn’t go into why she does that, but I’m guessing that’s her way of showing them off and instantly making others aware of what makes her special. She loves showing off her new molds and the different colors she picks. It’s kind of her fashion statement, along with all the jewelry she adores. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, she wears them all. We’re not quite sure where she inherited that trait from since her mom is a minimalist compared to her! I’m proud of the confidence she expresses in herself and my hope is that she never loses that.

    A year or so ago, she expressed how much she wanted tennis shoes that lit up like her friends. Her parents continually told her no. They had their reasons and little did she know the biggest reason. Finally, her parents decided to tell her why. The reason is a sad reality in today’s world. She wasn’t allowed to have light up shoes because, heaven forbid there would be a school shooter, those shoes could point out exactly where she was and if she was moving. Her eyes got wide when they told her and I dare to say part of her innocence was stolen that day. The world took the wind out of her sails when such a simple, yet complicated reason for not having light up shoes was important and relevant. I feel like she had to grow up a little faster that day and see the world differently than a carefree eight-year-old. It breaks my heart. This is the world we’re living in. School shootings seem weekly, little innocent lives being taken away from their loving families. Each school drop off and pick up mean a little bit more because they get to go home. It goes well beyond “be kind to one another.” I feel like every parent feels like the next generation has life harder, not physically but so much more to deal with mentally, emotionally, spiritually. “Life is hard” is an understatement. The world is a rough place and we have to find lightness to make it feel less heavy each day to persevere. I know there is still great people in the world that are helpful, kind and loving toward others. It’s our job to try and be those people. Afterall, Kena’s confidence will bring her so far but I’m praying others around her will bring her through this world to be an empathetic, kind, loving person to others.

May God bless you and keep you,

Becky