I was like every other kid 65 or 70 years ago in that I had heroes in the form of sports stars. Mickey Mantle of the Yankees or “Bullet Bob” Hayes and “Mr. Cowboy” Bob Lilly of the Dallas Cowboys come to mind instantly. Decades later I can look back on my life and realize who the real heroes were as I experienced life beyond the age of innocence.
As I look back I can see human failures in my mom and dad as they struggled at times but they will always be at the top of my hero list. They carried traits of the earlier generations that survived periods in our country when survival instincts were all they had to keep going.
I recall some of the childhood experiences they, as well as some aunts and uncles, shared with me. As I look around at our modern world it seems almost impossible such a place and time even existed. They were the Greatest Generation, indeed!
Among the near misses and the tragedies I managed to avoid during my younger years there were a couple of unassuming heroes. As they often do, they walk among us quiet and unnoticed, and we likely never hear their stories. I won’t be telling the stories now either, but know that John Humphries and Leroy Sprott were among those unsung heroes that walked among us. I believe that God put them in the right place at the right time for me. They will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I have often questioned decisions I made in the past while wondering how things might have been better if I had chosen another path. Standing alone against a crowd is always difficult and can be challenging. Standing by a friend against other friends can be a test of your loyalty. When a decision instantly feels right it makes you feel like you are a hero to yourself.
Many of the opinions I had of people as a youngster have changed as I have aged and now realize sometimes harsh words or actions were intended to teach rather than punish. Thinking about all the adults who touched my life along the way I can say that, for the most part, their methods were well intended. Generally speaking, I think people are born with a good nature. Sadly, some are born without any compassion.
As I watch some of the leaders in our communities these days I stop and ask myself if that is the way people really were back in the day and I was just too young and naïve to understand. My heart doesn’t want me to believe that it’s true, but after ignoring the advice of friends and family I ran for city council and was elected. I soon learned that what is true today may not necessarily be true tomorrow.
Growing Up In Bandera is an experience today that is far removed from what life was like for me as a kid many moons ago. Maybe that’s a good thing. Life as seen through the eyes of a child is usually a beautiful thing. So just maybe that’s the way God intended.
Want more grow up in Bandera? Purchase the books! Available for sale at the Bulletin’s office or by calling 830-796-3718.
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