So summer is hurrying into autumn? Kids back in school, Hog Days over, leaves browning up and fluttering to the ground—I’m tempted to say “bah, humbug! I’m not gonna take it anymore!”
But I don’t say that because nature doesn’t take well to human grumbling. For example, a half century ago, who saw wild deer or coyotes running through their yards, or a bobcat hanging out in a tree? These three animals had been pretty much hunted out of this area. Given a chance by protective laws, they’ve returned in such numbers that you need to drive carefully to avoid hitting a road-crossing deer; coyotes make many a meal on domesticated pets left out at night; and a bobcat’s yowl—the hair stands up on the back of your neck. Nature wants them here. Same with wild turkeys and vultures. Even eagles. I never saw any of these creatures while growing up in the timber north of Neponset. But I do now. Sometimes right in the back yard.
Why am I nattering on about this subject? Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of hearing how our world is going to hell in a hand basket. We’re going to be buried in ice if not drowned by the melting icecaps; the (insert color of choice) race must be exterminated to bring peace, happiness, and “equity” to the rest of humanity; today’s youth are a mixed-up mess and will bring on a bad future; artificial intelligence is going to enslave us– that’s if living on bugs and weeds doesn’t get us first…….
Life takes some unexpected turns, doesn’t it? We think we’ve got things all figured out—except we haven’t. For example, wildlife in Illinois was going to disappear under the onslaught of citification—except it didn’t. Coyotes, foxes, raccoons and other mammals have discovered food and shelter in garbage, parks, gardens and other marks of civilization. I don’t know about birds, but snakes, lizards, alligators—they can make a life of it in changed surroundings. So can humans.
Yesterday I experienced a wonderful example of that. I belong to an international organization that fosters education and career advancement for women. Part of our funds go to scholarships, including one to high school girls planning on further schooling after graduation. Only one girl per state wins. Yesterday I was part of the committee to interview several senior girls from KHS and WHS to be our candidate.
What a job! Every girl made me proud to be a woman! Without exception they were polite, pleasant—and definitely aware of what they wanted to do and be, and how they could get there. And if you’re afraid they sneer at the traditional roles of the female sex– home, family, faith, community–they don’t.
We all face a lifetime of unexpected twists, and they’re getting more abrupt. It’s so good to know that at least part of the younger generation, whether anyone notices, whether they win any contests or not, will be up to the changes, be strong, valued citizens of our USA.
So enjoy the beauty of another autumn and deal with the sudden storms, hail, early darkness, and other changes it brings.
You can do it! Keep the faith!
Your friend, Carol
