Homesick......

A friend, Katie Troyer, lives in Florida.  She was born into the Amish community in Holmes County,Ohio, although she does not live it now.  Katie takes amazing pictures of her surroundings, the Amish who visit, her travels and family, and basically anything that catches her eye.  Oh, what an eye Katie has!  Something as "normal" as people talking, when seen via Katies lens catches the imagination and takes off.
Last week she posted a picture of her great-niece washing her hands.  The definition of innocent with  braided hair, little dress and apron.  Katie noted that she would love to be a child again for a day.   Within moments I was homesick.  Out of the blue, I understood what Katie meant. If I could be a child again for even one day, I would see my parents again, and my grandparents.  The beloved aunts and uncles that are gone now, even some childhood friends that are gone.  And think of the freedom we had as a child!  I waded barefoot in creeks and tried to catch tadpoles.  I spent half the day outside, playing.  My mom made wonderful meals, and always looked and smelled wonderful. Dad and I  went sled riding, and he talked me into putting corn on my toes and letting the chickens pick it off!  Daddy worked hard, but we werent rich, by any means.  Food on your plate was meant to be eaten.  My new clothes were made by mom.  And you didnt just get something because you wanted it. 
I wonder at times what todays children will miss.  Certainly this is a society of gratification, and most often instantly.  If they never have to wait for things, how will they learn to appreciate it?  And do todays kids run barefoot in the summer, and still collect tadpoles in jars?  Are handmade dresses appreciated as much as ones with store labels?
 Im sure that we all have good and bad memories of childhood..and yet, wouldnt it be wonderful, for just one day....to go back?  So, for me, I treasure the coat  that I still have, made by mom when I was 4.  And I find joy in making things like the suede vest I am finishing now for Jason.  And I think, when it is warm enough, I am going to take off my shoes, and go walk barefoot, find a puddle to wade through, and dedicate it to children.
Have a great week!