Turkey dinner is more than a feast of good food and drink. It is the mix of people with similar heritage but divergent souls. As I watched the interaction among the second and third generation people in our family I could see a striking difference. Fresher interests, a more social conscience and a bravery to show their true feelings.Everything from politics, religion and world view on our responsibility to mother earth is expressed with a certainty. So many of our grandchildren have taken a stand on women's issues, world hunger and the need for education as a means to solving the problems of mother earth. I can hardly express a new idea anymore as the youth have a benchmark way above mine.
Our table is not the place to tell a prejudice joke without expecting the wrath from the kids. Times have changed. Our youth have taken stands on issues that we at their age were not even known. It is a kinder and more gentile culture with a sharing attitude and a belief that things will be different if we do something. They express confident they make a difference, each one.
Recently there was a get together of 20,000 youth who sang, spoke and dedicated themselves to Free the Children. The Rogers Center in Toronto rocked all day and showed the world that everyone counts. This movement was started by a young Canadian and his brother and it has swept the country with literally hundreds of thousands involved in programs to make life better for under served people around the world.
Their leadership comes from within their heart and pours out in countless ways to build schools, feed the hungry and give the needy a face. Yes I feel great about our youth but this comes as no surprise as I always tried to give youth a voice when I saw them as the fresh new wave coming forth to lead us to a better way of doing things.
Having been in our public school systems so long I have seen so many changes in the kids. Thankfully we have moved away from over teaching self esteem to the degree of selfishness. I think the self awareness is wonderful and how they relate to the ones around them is very important. What a fun day for you and great observations of the family that continues to thrive. I am hungry for turkey now but will have to wait until late November. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAlways remember that these young ones are your living legacy-- and that you had a part to play in their enlightenment. I am proud of them all as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lyn - the values of our children begin at home first, then expand to the community and greater society. You message is wonderful and the fact that you recognize and acknowledge the growth is positive for all :)
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