Lessons in an Old House

I am drawn to old buildings like this one I ran across on a back road in Central Texas a few years ago.  Those were some tight living quarters, but for the era in which this was built, it was common.  I took the image from the road and resisted the urge to walk out to it since I didn't have permission.  If I recall, there was a barbed wire fence in the way, I just took the shot over the fence.

To me, a building such as this that has withstood so many years of the elements is a reflection of the folks that built it.  They were tough.  There was no running water, no electricity, no indoor plumbing.  I'm sure they had a garden for vegetables and a milk cow in a pen out back.  Much of their table fare was likely supplied by hunting for a rabbit, or some other wild game.  Trips to town were few and a major endeavor.

We surely take a lot of things for granted these days as we live in our palaces and have our meals delivered.  I suspect there are lots of folks who couldn't handle it.

There are still tough people -- even in this country of luxury.  They aren't the kind of "tough" portrayed in the movies which depicts "toughness" as violence; they are the kind of "tough" that endures hardship and challenge and that overcomes the obstacles that continually seem to be placed in their path.  They survive in spite of the odds which seem to be stacked against them.

I'm not talking of the "silver spoon" folks who have a network of financial and other help, I'm talking about those who are born in circumstances that put them at a disadvantage, yet are able to rise above that life to one of productivity and success.  Some see success as the poor kid who ended up as a star athlete, or entertainer; what I'm referring to is the one who worked to provide for his family while getting a high school education and then went on to college and a job where they learned skills that allowed them to rise within the organization, or perhaps to step out and start their own business.  In a way, they are the pioneers of today.  They pave the way as an example of overcoming the odds.

In today's world it seems to be "the thing" to take advantage of ignorance.  I see ignorance as an opportunity to educate.  Maybe I'm a bit altruistic, but I believe the responsibility that comes with the blessings I have received is to pass on the things I have learned to those in need.

My post drifted a bit.