Ron Machado and Scott Hopkins
Have you ever thought about writing a story, novel, or memoir, but need a little encouragement? Then consider joining the Ranch Writers—a group of SaddleBrooke Ranchers who have a passion for writing. Our mission is to encourage writers and improve our writing skills. Here’s a story we’d like to share from club member Ron Machado.
End of an Era
There was a time, not many years ago, when a child could spend the day on their own without adult supervision. We made decisions, whether right or wrong, and our parents never knew the results. The youth of my time had places they could go and feel comfortable while exploring and learning the area surrounding our homes.
For me, there was a spot on a creek where I could spend the afternoon exploring. Children of my era were allowed to roam freely throughout their community. We were given certain tasks or chores to complete before taking off for the day.
I grew up on a small chicken ranch in central California. Part of my morning chores was to check that the feed and watering systems were working properly. Once that was done, I was free to do whatever I wanted. I was pretty much on my own.
Grabbing an apple or some other fruit that was always on our kitchen table, I was off. The two activities I enjoyed were riding my bike into the hills around our town and searching for and catching snakes and lizards to add to the collection that my mother really did not understand. I also enjoyed heading to my secret spot on a local creek.
I could spend several hours doing absolutely nothing. Well, maybe not nothing. There was always something to see. New birds, watching fish, and frogs looking for something that drifted down the creek. Some crazy things appeared in that creek.
Today’s children have unlimited activities, but they are all supervised by adults.
I helped to nurture four children, three boys and one girl. Before they became school age, they spent all their time in our office. Their mother and I had set up a room in our office with everything from play toys to a computer and a TV for them to use. As they grew and started school, they would return to the office after school and then participate in one activity or another. I spent many enjoyable hours driving and supervising them at gymnastics, baseball, and dance classes, as well as classmates’ birthday parties.
While I am sure they had fun, they never made decisions for themselves. An adult signed them up for classes or birthdays, and they went. Again, with adult supervision. While the four children have turned out well, I sometimes feel sorry for them and wonder whether the lack of personal decision-making has affected their adult lives…
Ranch Writers meet on the second Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. New and interested writers are always welcome! For more information, contact Chuck Coxe at cfcoxe@gmail.com.