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Hesitant Happiness

This will be short, I promise

"A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." - Greek Proverb

Let me start by saying, I am overjoyed. A handsome new nephew, a beautiful growing niece, and two jobs that allow me to experience the innocent naivety and wonderment of discovery, each and every day. It's a special time in my heart and a tense time in my head.

As I've matured, I realize that my life will not be remembered for any momentous occasion. I will never be rich, famous, or revered by the masses. I may not even be remembered by name, but those whose lives I had the greatest impact. I will simply be remembered for the caring, nurturing, and teaching of all the things not taught in school. My happiness comes from that and the happiness, friendships, and education I gain from these children. My fear, however, this comes from knowing I have not done enough to protect them and that I will not always be there. My insecurity comes from knowing that while I tried, I didn't leave enough and many of those with the power to change nations, failed us and are failing us.

I look forward to seeing my niece and nephew grow into adulthood with the simple hope that their generation matures with more value put on others than themselves. This is not socialism, but compassion, empathy, and civility. It is not social justice but equality. It's not political, it's humanity. I hope I, along with all those who guide them, can teach them to recognize our similarities and learn from our difference. I want them to have it better than their parents, their grandparents, and definitely better than my life has gone. I don't only want them to experience it, but want everyone's niece and nephew, daughter and son, and students to experience it.

I just worry about a future where the children will never know the aforementioned shade because they were only taught the value of the timber.

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