How We Got There

In order to convey this story in its true sense, I must undertake a somewhat plebeian explanation of how we all got to this point of our lives. It is crucial that the readers understand the transformation in a metamorphic sense. In my case, I think mutation would serve best. I still wonder in amazement, how coming from a strict catholic upbringing, as we all did, why such a radical change in perception?
Was it a revolt against society, parental control, and decorum?

To answer this I must ask the question:
Can the school atmosphere make a difference to the child's socialization and integration into his society?

Ok, I know what you're all thinking, "oh God, here we go, Bob's fallen off the deep end," well, no Dear Reader, I have not. I am just highly caffeinated, and having a moment of clarity, so please bear with me.


In an article written by Donald W. Light, Jr entitled: Social Participation in Public and Catholic Schools, he writes:

"Catholics from parochial schools perform rituals more often
and are full members of the Catholic community.
Graduates of Catholic schools are significantly more likely
to be absorbed in Catholic culture and organizations."

Although that may be true now in all our lives, during the timeline of this story it may not have always been so. At least not on the surface. We all had our beliefs based on our Catholic upbringing, but we challenged those beliefs. I, for one, investigated other forms of spiritual structure. Such as, the mere fabric of my being. I investigated my existence in ways that were not, according to some, as “socially acceptable”. I was, as some of us were, a reader of literature, writings that encouraged us to examine the “crack in the universe between day and dark, into a world not merely other then our own, but of an entirely different reality.” Some of you may be familiar with those words. Well, you should be. They were written by Carlos Castaneda in one of his books titled: The Teachings of Don Yuan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge, the first book in a trilogy of amazing writings. Yes, children, I still do own The complete box set. Those books opened up a whole new way of perceiving the true essence of life.
Some might say that such an attitude could be construed as a "cop-out." I disagree! I was merely trying to validate all that was taught to me by my parents, teachers and clergy. Lets examine that thought, shall we.

Donald Light also wrote:” that the child needs loving, patient parents who are permissive, to guide him in his exploration of his world and its people. He regards the family as crucial in creating a strong personality foundation for the child, once the child reaches that American limbo, adolescence, however, his external social environment affects the identity he [or she] works out for themselves”.

All of us had a great foundation. We had parents that truly wanted the best for us, they loved us unconditionally, and made all efforts to allow us to “work it out." How we did that was left up to us. However, had they known the extremes we went to, I’m not so sure how enthusiastic they would have been. One thing is for certain, without the experiences we all had lived, without free will, and most of all, without God, none of us would be where we are today. All of us turned out to be productive members of society. Some of us had to learn form our shortcomings, and we, in turn, used those lessons to help others learn without having to repeat some of our less than perfect experiments. All in all, I personally have no regrets, as I am sure none of you do.

I conclude this post with the words of a Shaman priest - one of my favorites:

For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart,
on any path that may have heart. There I travel,
and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length.
And there I travel looking, looking, breathlessly.

-Don Juan