SECOND OPINION: The Children are the Future!
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“Will the children of today learn not to repeat the worst of history, and learn to appreciate the best? What we need to do is think 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50
years ahead, and decide what kind of a world we want them
to live in. Are we doing our best for them, and, by
the way, are they doing their best for us?”
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by Mary Foran
As the cumulus nimbus clouds puff up and roll across the bright blue skies, some darkening, some a brilliant, creamy white, I can see from the window crocuses and pansies, and the green stalks of the coming daffodils, sprouting seductively in the good, brown earth. It’s a sure sign that Spring is on its way (at least in the Northern Hemisphere, officially on March 20th).
For those who still observe the tradition, the first of March is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. The day before is Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. and other places. Some know it as Shrove Tuesday!
For those in the Southern Hemisphere, Autumn begins on March 1st. And in case you didn’t know, March 8th is International Women’s Day. Another important date for travelers etc. is March the 12th, since that’s when Daylight Savings Time, invented by Benjamin Franklin, begins in the U.S. and Canada. As the old saying goes: “Spring forward, and Fall back” one whole hour!
And who can forget St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th of March (have a Guinness for me!) .
That’s the day that Americans are sure to wear something green and real Irish will not!
The 13th of March is Commonwealth Day for Australia, Canada and the U.K., and then the new moon on the 28th gets us through March.
March with its winds and bluster
March in this area has always been known for its winds and bluster, and remember folks, the ominous Ides of March are on the 15th!
March, for me, has always meant my mother’s birthday on the 17th (of course they named her Patricia!) Now that she is with the angels, March is somewhat bittersweet…
But, in my opinion, life goes on, and simply must. There are “babes in arms” who will inherit our world, and we must make room for them. We must teach them well, to be good influences in society, and have hope in our future and theirs.
“The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow” as the saying goes. We must teach them to be forward-thinking, while at the same time remembering the many, many lessons of the past. Now that might sound trite and platitudinous, but it is really the simple truth: we just won’t be here as long as they will, in any case!
I see the current generation’s accomplishments as rainbow-reflecting bubbles which burst in the air we all breathe, as the children try to catch them and hold them in their hands. Will the children of today learn not to repeat the worst of history, and learn to appreciate the best?
What we need to do is think 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years ahead, and decide what kind of a world we want them to live in. Are we doing our best for them, and, by the way, are they doing their best for us?
Most people in the world blame “youth” on their mistakes (so do I!). But then we grow older and surer that there is a God we would love to repaint! (Apologies to Michelangelo!)
Child at the San Felipe Castle, Ferrol, Spain: “¡Quiero volar!”
The Spanish are naturally good with children, I would opine, and could teach a thing or two to others! The Spain I lived in was full of natural and man-made wonders: a full plate for any young and curious mind.
I was able to get a magazine called Muy Interesante in our local Cigar Store which was full of ideas for the youth of today. People ask me “Why Spain?” and I usually answer “Most everyone with any sense at all wants to See Spain!” And then they ask me, “What’s it like?” and I answer:
“Seeing is Believing!”
May you someday kiss the Blarney Stone for me and have a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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Images
Featured image (at the Women’s March New York City, 21 January 2017) by Mathiaswasik, CC BY-SA2.0. Blotted.
Crocus by Col Ford and Natasha de Vere, CC BY2.0
The elements, March, by Marc Palumbo, CC BY2.0
Child in Ferrol by Dani Vazquez, CC BY-SA2.0
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About Mary
Born in Seattle, WA, U.S.A., and a graduate of the University of Oregon in Spanish and General Literature, Mary lived in Madrid, Spain during the 80s, a period in Spanish history which became known as “The Transition”. She taught English as a Foreign Language, and worked as Managing Editor of the Guidepost when it was still a weekly print publication. She did a stint on Spanish Foreign Radio and Radio Cadena, and corresponded for a Financial Times of London newsletter. She still has ties to Spain, loves the people and the country, and has great hopes for the future!
