Children

I served overseas in 2003-2004, right when the war first jumped off. We would go out on patrols and convoy missions and we would inevitably run across villages. Most of the villages were poor and had limited resources. When I would look into the faces of the children there, I could see nothing but misery. These children were not going to grow up and be doctors or engineers. These kids were just hoping to make it. To live through the violence and poor conditions.
To witness this first hand changed me. It made me appreciate the things and opportunities I had at home.
I now have a child of my own and I am grateful that I was born in America. That my child does not have to worry about her next meal, or if her parents will be injured or killed from one day to the next. She does not have to worry about clean drinking water or the overbearing heat and wind. My child does not know violence exists and I will shield her from it as long as I possibly can.
America is not without flaw though. As I am sure you all are aware. We have our own issues here. We lack a true family unit. We have a very high divorce rate in this country, which equals out to a lot of single parents out there.
I did not have my father when I was growing up, he did not take interest in my life. I had a mother who worked 2 jobs and 3 sisters who I despised. The lack of a father figure will have effects that you may not see for years. In my case it came to my attention that I lacked the background that other kids had in my neighborhood.
Their fathers would teach them things, such as mowing the lawn, how to fix a chain on a bike, measuring out wood to cut, using hand tools or power tools, car parts, sports etc. the list goes on. The point is I was sociably behind my peers because I didn’t have someone to teach me how to do these things.
When I saw the video it made me think back to those kids in Iraq and of my own child. The kids in Iraq have nothing to look forward to, but more of the same. Violence and religious persecution. The kids in the video were living. They were exploring, experimenting, learning and most of all they were free from the burdens of the world. They were free to let their imaginations grow. To dream.
My childhood what it was and my experience overseas I have made sure that I took an interest in my child’s life. That I teach her and guide her along. That I will not fail her as my father did me. As Iraq has failed the kids there. I will see that she can dream.
This workshop is really a band-aid fix. These skills are suppose to come from your family unit. Your father, mother, grand-parents, aunts. uncles and close family friends. They are suppose to teach you not only to survive in life, but to excel. Your parents should help you succeed in life. To become self efficient. I believe that this is now pushed onto our school systems, church, workshops, boy scouts etc.
Instead of bringing up our children we expect society to do it for us. The workshop is a great idea and I believe kids and parents benefit from it. I also believe we should take back the teaching/mentoring of our own children. To teach them how to navigate through life’s many challenges. To set them up for success.

The Introduction:

My name is Chris Fox. Everyone calls me Fox. I originate from Cincinnati, Ohio. I lived in many different cities, states and countries due to the demanding mobility that the Army requires. I have been deployed twice to Iraq. I currently work at Fort McCoy as a civilian. I live in La Crescent, Mn. I am married and have a 2 yr old little girl. My wife's name is Sarah and my daughters name is Isabelle. I believe I have a unique outlook on life, and not everyone agrees with it. Even if you do not agree with my blog, I hope at least you enjoy reading it.