Back In School

Now (at least in some places) one has to pay to ride the school bus. When I was a kid we walked to school – no really. Sometimes it was a few blocks (I went to a lot of different schools) and on at least a couple of occasions, over a mile. I almost always had to walk a few blocks even when I was catching a bus. Snow? Yes, when we lived in Missouri, we sometimes walked to and from school in the snow. And, those were the best times.

Here’s the point. It was a great time. We talked and laughed and played around. We developed friendships and we never really worried about “strangers” or “danger.” All along the walk to school kids would join the group, and on the way home, we learned about where others lived and sometimes met their parents. We knew where to find each other when Saturday came, chores were done, and we’d meet in the school yard for a ball game.

I miss that America. Everybody (an exaggeration) rides now. Danger is all around. Kids play video games, have structured activities mostly, and have no idea what a game of “work-up” softball is all about.

Schools have changed. Times have changed. America has changed. Many would argue – for the good. So be it.

But I wish my grand-kids could spend a week or two walking to school and enjoying what I did – so many years ago.