I miss the innocence of my childhood.  Young hearts were so much fun. I lived in a time where ‘gay’ meant what it is supposed to mean.  It meant ‘without concern’. It was a great time. Keys could be left in the switch of an unlocked car.  Doors and windows could be unlocked, 24-7. Prayer Meeting was a “Prayer” meeting;, the “Pledge” to our flag and prayers were said daily in schools. Grace was said before every meal. Folks talked to GOD a lot and listened more. Bibles weren’t for show. The National Anthem and our flag were honored, respectfully. Costs of things were fair. Phones were for calling each other. Nobody considered abortion to be alright. Marriage was between people of the opposite sex. Elected officials may have lied to us, but we only had some low-power radio stations and just three television networks with no ‘creepy-peepers’. Banks loaned money on a hand-shake and the Federal Government was simply “up there sommers”. Candidates visited my east Texas hometown and spoke to a bunch of Titus Countians from the back of a flatbed trailer. The biggest event, other than Christmas, Easter, Tabb Family Reunions and the State Fair of Texas, was our Friday night high school football games. The greatest excitement was the day two of our home-town boys flew their jets down Jefferson at about three-top level.  For a long time, all stores were closed on Sunday. I just watched “To Kill a Mockingbird” for the umpteenth time and thought, “That’s what it was like and I miss that”.  We can’t turn back time, but we can turn from wickedness and stop lying to each other. Let there be TRUTH on earth, and let it begin with me, First! That’s what I get from My Box of Chocolates.     AMEN