Why I Love the Villagers

by Papa Luke
The travel time from St. Louis to Kansas City is four hours plus or minus an hour; so this time gives one plenty of time to reflect. I reflected recently during a recent trip over the holidays why I love these villagers. Here's a brief list.

1. No pretense. Several of the adult villagers have accomplished much. For example, one villager is Vice President of an institution that will play a prominent role in getting our country out of the recession. One villager works for a highly successful and world renowned advertising firm. And one villager is a high ranking official with the city of Kansas City. All of us come from quite modest beginnings; yet, these villagers do not parade their amazing accomplishments. (Well, I guess the only pretense is that the ladies get their gray hair covered; us men, proudly show our gray.)
2. Laughter. Our village is one in which it is safe to laugh at each other and oneself. And we all have done things that warrant laughter. Our kids certainly do this well. There are often several times when we hear hearty laughter from our kids when they get together. And they seem to really like each other.
3. Place to learn. I always learn something from the men of the village. I learn how to be a better man, father, and husband. I also learn from our kids who range in ages from 12 years to the early 20s.
4. Critical thinking kids. We all have raised our kids to be critical thinkers. The proof of this is seen clearly when engaging in conversation with the two oldest kids. When conversing with the two oldest kids of the village, one needs to be prepared to go toe-to-toe. This is not to say that our kids are saints as they all have done some stupid things (as I did when I was their age). Yet, I am proud to be called "Papa Luke" by this group of kids.