"growing up like wild grass." I really like that phrase because that's how I grew up. The best childhood of my entire life was when we lived in Reno, NV for 5 1/2 years. It was family neighborhood, 2-3 kids in each house, living on a dead end street. That was an innocent time. I didn't understand what racism was/meant, we didn't have to worry about school shootings, our next-door neighbor became our Godmother. I met my lifelong bestie the day we moved there and ventured out on my Big Wheel. Like you, I miss those days as well. When it was a simpler time, and everyone watched over everyone else's kids. Great essay. Felt like I was actually there experiencing all that.
Thank you for this! It’s funny how little a happy childhood has to do with prosperity.
I obsess sometimes over giving my children the best of everything. In reality all they need is to feel safe and have someone to conspire and do mischief with 🥰 sounds like you grew up around some lovely people
Lovely writing. I felt right there with you in the memories.
Thank you Jen! 🥰
"growing up like wild grass." I really like that phrase because that's how I grew up. The best childhood of my entire life was when we lived in Reno, NV for 5 1/2 years. It was family neighborhood, 2-3 kids in each house, living on a dead end street. That was an innocent time. I didn't understand what racism was/meant, we didn't have to worry about school shootings, our next-door neighbor became our Godmother. I met my lifelong bestie the day we moved there and ventured out on my Big Wheel. Like you, I miss those days as well. When it was a simpler time, and everyone watched over everyone else's kids. Great essay. Felt like I was actually there experiencing all that.
Thank you for this! It’s funny how little a happy childhood has to do with prosperity.
I obsess sometimes over giving my children the best of everything. In reality all they need is to feel safe and have someone to conspire and do mischief with 🥰 sounds like you grew up around some lovely people
I did! And yes, feeling safe and someone to make mischief is just, y'know, everything.
A lovely essay - the image of growing up like "wild grass" and the sense of the fresh green grass spreading over East London - these combined so well.
Thank you! 🙏