“I need a hero … And he’s gotta be sure, and it’s gotta be soon and he’s gotta be larger than life … And he’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast and he’s gotta be fresh from the fight. I need a hero.”
–Footloose, 1984
Sam and I went to see Prairie neighbors Nick and Eleanor Hairston’s granddaughter Reed’s school musical where she belted out the “Hero” song. I’ve been thinking about that song ever since.
We were so knocked out by the talent, enthusiasm and participation of so many kids, we’ve haven’t stopped talking about it. We saw another impressive school musical, “Aida,” and were planning to see the school performance of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” when unexpected company dropped in.
Thinking about the Hero lyrics made me realize how fast things are changing in the world and that it’s a wonder we aren’t all dizzy.
One morning while walking with Shirley and Robin, Robin brought up the days of the blue laws and the time her mother went to the drugstore on a Sunday afternoon to get a prescription filled. She saw a lawn chair and thought how nice it would be to sit in the backyard, but she couldn’t buy the chair due to the blue laws.
I recounted hearing of a Sunday School teacher who called in late Saturday night saying she couldn’t teach the next morning’s class because her son’s soccer team won their games and was now playing at 9 a.m. Sunday morning. My, how things have changed.
Occasionally I stop by Starkville’s wonder-filled new Kroger grocery store. You need to be in the mood for browsing to see all the features like amazing buffets, sit-down sushi bar, Starbucks coffee shop, flower shop, rows of kitchen gadgets and small appliances, not to mention all the fresh produce and groceries.
And the bathrooms. Designers were thinking ahead when they hung the signs, “Family Restrooms.” Just inside the alcove are door No. 1 “Men,” door No. 2 “Women,” and door No. 3 “Unisex.”
Sharing the description of the bathrooms to a young “30-something” prompted this conversation:
She said, “I don’t know why all bathrooms and shower/locker rooms aren’t private anyway. I remember being totally traumatized by junior high locker rooms. Girls can be very mean.”
She looked at Sam, “And the whole concept of urinals is just weird.”
Somewhere along the way I feel like I’ve fallen off the moving sidewalk of “progress.” When did all the rules change? Some of the language, I don’t speak. Some of the concepts, I can’t wrap my brain around. If my computer goes down, I can’t work.
I wish I could ask my parents if they ever felt like I do? Did my grandparents? Did electric motors send them into a tailspin?
Who is in charge? Is anybody? Is the dearly departed Prince our hero? My friend Michele thought Prince was somebody’s dog. Does anybody know what time it is?
I desperately need a hero, and he’s gotta be sure and he’s gotta be strong and I’d like it to be now.
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