From the Super
By Dave Rokusek
February 18, 2008
From the Super
2-20-08
Dave Rokusek
The following story has appeared on the internet and in some regional newsletters over the past year. I thought I would pass it on so you might enjoy it. The story goes as follows:
The other day, at a store in a small rural town a man read that a Meth lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, “Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?”
I replied I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the wood shed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, speak well of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s flower bed and cockleburs out of dad’s fields. I was drug to the home of families, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some fire wood, and if my mother had ever known the I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin: and, if today’s children had that kind of drug problem, America would be a better place!
I suppose life was less complex in a lot of ways but the importance of good parenting still ranks high! Nominations are again being requested for the school’s Wall of Fame and are due April 1st. A form can be found in the upcoming March school newsletter or pick one up at the Superintendent’s office.
“Some people don’t have much to say, but you have to listen a long time to find it out”-unknown. Take care and stay in touch
