Can we talk for a moment about something it seems like no one wants to talk about, but as a grandparent, I think we need to?
Last week, I read a news story out of Orange County, Va., which happens to be the county next to where some of my grandchildren live.
The story was about Liberty Mills Farm, a local family-owned pumpkin patch and corn maze.
The farm owners made the decision to close their activities to the public after being criticized online, threatened and harassed.
According to the report, the hostility directed at them and their staff made it difficult to continue keeping their activities and doors open.
The couple who owns the farm has been proud to offer fall activities to families for more than 15 years but, according to their social media post, “The bottom line is we are no longer having fun at what we are doing.”
How sad is that?
A family that started a business, hired local works and brought joy to families from across their region has had the joy stolen from them by comments and actions of some of those who either visited the farm or at least visited their social media account.
What is wrong with people?!
If you don’t like the way somebody runs their business, don’t patronize it!
(I liked this photo when I saw it because you can keep your mouth shut or you can spew disgusting stuff!)
Don’t bash them on socials. Don’t spew hate to their faces. Don’t take your issues out on their employees.
Just.Walk.Away.
But as a society, we seem to be unable to do that.
I could write forever on this topic, but the bottom line is, as grandparents, are we paying attention?
Are we talking to our children and grandchildren and helping them navigate this critical world?
And, also, are we looking at our children and grandchildren and guiding them to ensure they aren’t part of the problem?
Do we know what our own kids and grandkids are posting on socials?
Are we listening during family gatherings at how we talk to one another?
Do we tolerate attitudes and disrespect, excusing it as “kids will be kids”?
As senior members of the family who have been responsible for raising adults, perhaps it’s time we took inventory (and maybe some blame, if we’re honest).
I am sure I have been guilty over the years of being verbally critical of those I don’t agree with in front of my children and grandchildren, but I try to bite my tongue and hold my fingers over the keyboard.
I’ve always heard, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”
I believe that’s true.
Check yourself. If you’re on social media, what do your posts look like? Maybe it’s time to edit/delete those?
We all know this is a volatile time politically, but what are your conversations like at home?
My gram always said, “Little pitchers have big ears.” Even little kids overhear and understand more than we think they do!
It’s time to have those awkward conversations within your family. We’ve reached the stage in life where experience gives us cred.
I am hopeful we can be a civilized society again, hopefully before we drive out all the good things in life.
Keeping my fingers crossed.
