From VanNat

Kids today don’t play with marbles, dolls, or in the dirt the way we did when I was growing up.

I remember living in a very small town in Mexico with only about 200 people. Everyone knew everyone. We spent our days running up the hills, exploring the river, playing hide-and-seek, and staying outside until it got dark. There were no tablets, no cell phones, and no social media. We had our imagination, and somehow, that was enough.

I remember listening to soccer games on the radio. We couldn’t see the players, but in our minds we could picture every pass, every goal, and every player running up and down the field. It was exciting in a way that’s hard to explain.

At night, the neighborhood kids would gather outside and tell stories under the stars. We didn’t even have a telephone at home. Only one family in town had a landline, and when someone received a call, they would let the whole town know who had a message waiting.

That same family was also the only one with a console television. I still remember all of us kids gathering outside their home to watch TV together. It wasn’t just about the show—it was about being together. Those simple moments felt so special.

I long for those days. The days when kids ran freely because everyone knew everyone. The whole town looked out for one another, and we felt safe. We didn’t have much, but we were happy with so little. Looking back, I realize we actually had so much.

Today, there seems to be a TV in every room, along with computers, tablets, and phones. Children are growing up in a different world, and while technology has brought many wonderful things, I sometimes miss seeing kids outside, making up games, getting dirty, laughing until sunset, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

I know every generation has its own childhood, and every generation creates its own memories. But I will always be grateful for mine. We may not have had much, but we had each other. Looking back, I realize that was everything.