Editorial / Opinions

Looking back on my childhood and comparing it with today’s society, I can only conclude one thing – there is no comparison. On top of growing up poor in an even poorer part of the country, my parents were two of the most frugal people I’ve ever known, which added to the lack of luxuries that existed in our home.

In November 2009, I wrote a blurb in the Ozarks Farm & Neighbor Rumors column blasting Drury University for their new Animal Rights program funded by Bob Barker. I gave you the University President’s phone number and apparently you used it. The whole thing caused quite a stir.

Every job I’ve ever had was centered in agriculture. From radio and public relations to business planning and marketing, agriculture was always in the forefront. I am thankful everyday for my parents moving to our family farm more than 40 years ago and allowing me to learn and grow in the country.

Looking back on my childhood and comparing it with today’s society, I can only conclude one thing – there is no comparison. On top of growing up poor in an even poorer part of the country, my parents were two of the most frugal people I’ve ever known, which added to the lack of luxuries that existed in our home.

When I was young the winter months seemed to drag on. Days were spent feeding hay and breaking ice on the ponds, and you can only play in the snow so long until it’s time to warm up. (Yes, that’s correct I said “breaking ice on the ponds.” It wasn’t until after my brothers and I left the farm that dad decided it was time to buy automatic heated watering systems). Funny how that happens…

When I woke up on New Year’s Eve Day, 2010 – the TV screen was striped with a red-yellow radar streak and Tulsa Weather was broadcasting tornadoes on the ground in Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas. The first reports came in about 6:30 a.m. and said that victims were trapped in fallen buildings and there were many more problems around Cincinnati, Ark.

I've technologically evolved to the point that I like to get my national news and world events from a website on the internet. As I scanned through the headlines a few weeks ago, an article from Danville, Pa., caught my eye as it stated, "Rampaging Bull Shot to Death." Being a farmer, I clicked on the subject to get more information.

When I was young the winter months seemed to drag on. Days were spent feeding hay and breaking ice on the ponds, and you can only play in the snow so long until it’s time to warm up. (Yes, that’s correct I said “breaking ice on the ponds.” It wasn’t until after my brothers and I left the farm that dad decided it was time to buy automatic heated watering systems). Funny how that happens…

I've technologically evolved to the point that I like to get my national news and world events from a website on the internet. As I scanned through the headlines a few weeks ago, an article from Danville, Pa., caught my eye as it stated, "Rampaging Bull Shot to Death." Being a farmer, I clicked on the subject to get more information.

It’s funny how life brings you full circle and we always end up coming back to our roots.