School yard memories are an odd beast. They lie crouching in the murky depths of the subconscious ready to leap out when you are least expecting them. Some are warm and friendly creatures, others are not so pally.
One came and said ‘Howdy’ the other day and it got me thinking. What memories will our school age children have of this rather peculiar time? For the very young they may not remember anything at all. But for our VCE brothers and sisters, this whole COVID thingy will colour their studies and memories for the rest of their lives.
But more than that, I am wondering what else we can do to support and encourage these blossoming adults at this pertinent time in their lives. How we as oldies and parents deal with this mind warping season of history, will affect these youngsters into their future. Some will become resilient, while others may buckle and need something more.
I reflect that the raising of children is one of the finest, if not the most noble of vocations we can ever be called to. To be responsible for another living, breathing, thinking human being is both terrifying and exhilarating. How these burgeoning adults ‘turn out’, will in some small way, be a reflection on our parenting skills or the lack of them. How we steer them through the calm seas when the motor ticks gently over and how we navigate treacherous rocks and unpredictable swells with them, will teach these shiny new people vital truths. It should also teach us heaps about ourselves. Some of it is good management, some good luck and hopefully it is always done with sacrificial love.
In my pondering I arrive swiftly at the conclusion that Mother Mary and St. Joseph must have been remarkable human beings.