June 12, 2017 KISSIN' COUSINS

Sun--GLORIOUS--sun. What a weekend! Perfect for running and spending time on the beach reading and catching up with our summer friends. I've gone to the same beach for about 26 years now. In that time--I have gotten to know many wonderful people. We see each other every year--between May and September. They have watched my kids grow up and I've watched theirs not only grow up but also get married and have children of their own. A new generation on the beach. The little ones are so much fun to watch--special times and one of a kind memories.  It brings me back to when mine were young and we spent every summer on the beach with the cousins. They arrived in late May and stayed for the summer. The cousins were lucky enough to spend every day together--playing wall ball--swimming--kayaking--wiffle ball--then countless cookouts and bonfires with s'mores.  GREAT MEMORIES. The cousins are all grown now, so I love watching our neighbors and the new generation--sharing time with their cousins--making memories that will last them a lifetime too. The cousins were and still remain  an important part of our lives. Can't help but think back this time of year though and miss the good ole days.   J. D. Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, considers himself lucky to have been surrounded by a large family too as he struggled to make his way in the world.

I finished reading this really interesting memoir the other day and find myself wrestling with many of Vance's important points. First of all, Hillbilly Elegy is primarily the story of Vance's life and Appalachian values. Although he grew up in Middletown Ohio, his ancestors were from Breathitt, Kentucky. Hillbillies, fiercely loyal to their family but in the same token verbally, mentally and physically abusive. These are also people who love their country. They can tell you what  each member of their family did during every war to make America great. Sadly though, many also struggle with alcoholism and drug abuse. They are a culture in despair. After surviving a seriously dysfunctional childhood, Vance somehow made it out. He credits his tough but loving grandmother, grandfather, and the Marines for helping him recognize his potential, learn personal responsibility and gain a strong work ethic. These attributes eventually lead him to be a successful college student and graduate of both Ohio State and Yale Law School. As a hillbilly himself, Vance CAN directly confront the social taboos that others would shy away from. His questions are valid and need to be answered if we are going to steer our world in another direction. Vance poses the question--Where does the BLAME END  and the responsibility START?  Many people have crappy childhoods right? What a waste to let that define your life. Get over yourself and make a difference. Vance blames the Hillbilly culture which encourages social rot--a "learned helplessness" that is detrimental to society. I don't know the answer to the important questions he asks, but I do know he's right on target. Please take some time and read this book. It's only about 210 pages--literally a 3 mile run--that will help you understand a culture in dire need of change and reform who need to take responsibility first.