What's a Country Girl to Do?

When I was a teenager at the end of summer I would open all the windows in the house to allow the autumn breeze in.  The smell of corn and wheat fields ripe for harvest would flood my home.  It was the perfect lure for my feet to take me out to those fields where I would walk for miles.  I remember the cars passing me on the little dirt roads, and a friendly wave was always offered.  It was a more trusting time.

It's very different now.  My son has asthma and severe allergies, so there are no more autumn breezes to fill my home.  The windows are closed tight, and the cool breeze is created by mechanical means.  Taking a walk or going to the park consists of a shower after and medication to combat the effects my son will inevitable encounter.

There are no more friendly smiles or waves from neighbors.  The trust and friendliness of yesterday is gone.  To even consider letting my son take a walk on his own would be unthinkable.  Going to the library or grocery store means keeping an eye out for strangers intent on harm.  Checking the public bathrooms for occupants before I allow him to use them is a new norm.

Some may say I'm paranoid and need to relax, but then the local news reminds me it could happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone.

Life has become a different kind of jungle.  There are new obstacles, and new forests to traverse.  There is a more complex climate, and much more deadly traps to fall into.  For me, a country girl from the Midwest, there are no more fields of corn and wheat to roam, there's only the reality of an ever changing world.

photo credit: freefotouk