Dylan Yoder
Columnist
Kansas is a fickle mistress, giving us 2 days of plus 50-degree weather and then back to the freezing cold with all of us. But during this time, I can’t help but reflect on the tenacity of the people of Kansas. We all come from different places and each of us has our own unique background. of us may have grown up rather locally and in the old rural communities of the Midwest, and some of us may have come of age in the city. Regardless of where you come from, and how many people are there, it’s unlikely that you don’t appreciate the great outdoors to some extent. This past couple of weeks ago I visited a friend’s property in the countryside, and I was reminded of how I miss those country dirt roads and barns out in the pastures. Out on those roads are great memories that we have made from years past. For those of you who are as sentimental as I am, let’s take a look at a couple of great memories you make living out on those dirt roads.
Starting off with the rain. Now for those of you in the city, you may not quite grasp the concept of predicting the weather. But every farmer knows that the weatherman’s reports are merely suggestions to the never-ending chaos that is Kansas weather patterns. Even more, than that, I remember my own grandfather and the way he used to “smell the rain comin.’ ” He’d predict it from many hours out, and sure enough, it came. Living out on the country roads does that to some people. You notice the nature around you more, you notice the coming and going of bird species, and the way the sky tinges green when tornadoes are near. It wasn’t just predicting the weather though. Being out in the rain, and in the storms is something else entirely, and going swimming in the ditches and rivers once the rain has come through are just a few of the memories one makes out there.
Tending to the various chores of growing up in the country may not be everyone’s favorite topic, but now that I’m older, I appreciate the memories I had of doing such things. That could just be me though, after all, not many people would think of chores when talking of nostalgia. Be that as it may, the incredible community of helping hands that are developed as a result is something to appreciate in its entirety. On those country roads, if a neighbor has their property damaged in some way shape or form, you go out to help them. Through that help, friendship and good relationships are forged. It’s easy to take the community aspect of country roads for granted, but take it from someone who’s lived in the city for a while, you start to miss it. Country hospitality is a blessing to all who may experience it.
Growing up in the countryside is a great gift to all who get to experience it. Unfortunately, with the continuing mass growth of inflation, it’s becoming scarcer and scarcer. Not only that but the recent loss of jobs at the federal level has put a great stress and financial burden on many people who desire this kind of homestead living. The ongoing dismantling of the Department of Education takes away federal funding for our local schools and threatens many school programs that allow students and parents alike to benefit.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that these changes directly affect country living, but they do affect the families who live here, and the people who want to believe in the American Dream. There are so many wonderful aspects of country life. Memories, good-cooking, and home-making that everyone should have a chance to have for themselves.
