That really just about says it. Growing up in a very small town, spending time in the countryside or on the farm of my grandparents taught me many things, not the least of which was how easy things were when you took the time to appreciate the truly amazing gifts we inherited.  No matter what problems we might encounter there was always an answer if we only were willing to make the effort to find it. We were so blessed. We were bequeathed a land rich in natural resources, fresh air, clean water, and an abundance of nature's flora and fauna with which we shared this bounty. A country which cherished freedom, respected others, welcomed diversity and showed compassion to all, even those with whom we might at times disagree. I admit I find it utterly impossible to justify our complete and total disregard for just how incredibly fortunate we were.

 How could we possibly be so derelict in protecting for our children  that which we  have discarded so easily ? We have even placed their precious freedoms in jeopardy as we have allowed our governments to do in our name the things which they have done in recent years which are contrary to every principle and value we claim to hold dear.  And, most damning of all, remained silent as it was happening.

 The innocence of children  demands so much better from us and we have failed  them miserably. I have about given up hope that sanity will prevail and reason will return before it has passed the point of no return. I'm getting old, I am tired, and I am utterly disgusted  and angry with the generation which has been so incredibly  irresponsible and of which I am a part. I therefore have decided to do the following. I can't stop the world and get off but I can decide not to any longer be a part of it.

 Not really, I am too stubborn for that by a very long margin and I shall continue to hope that reality will finally sink in if those of us who do value our inheritance continue to yell loud enough and kick enough butts.  But, it is an alluring idea and my perverse sense of humour found this essay very tempting. I didn't write it, I have no idea who did,  but I most assuredly do relate to it.  Give it some thought and perhaps you might even find you agree  with the author.  BUT, it is tongue in cheek, don't take it to heart .. instead join those of us who refuse to surrender and help us in this battle. Please. I'll even beg if that's what it will take. For the sake of every eight year old  who has not yet lost their trust and belief  that we are safeguarding their futures  I implore you to think about what we have done and are doing.

 I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult. I have decided I would prefer to accept the responsibilities of an 8 year-old.

I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four star restaurant. I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make a sidewalk with rocks. I want to think M&Ms are better than money because you can eat them. I want to lie under a big oak tree watching the clouds make pictures and run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summer's day.

I want to return to a time when life was simple; When all you knew were colours, multiplication tables, and nursery rhymes, but that didn't bother you, because you didn't know what you didn't know and you didn't care.

All you knew was to be happy because you were blissfully unaware of all the things that should make you worried or upset.

I want to think the world is fair. That everyone is honest and good.

I want to believe that anything is possible. I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things again.

I want to live simple again. I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip, illness, and loss of loved ones.

I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, the imagination, mankind, and making angels in the snow.

So... here's my check book and my car keys, my credit card bills and my 401K statements. I am officially resigning from adulthood.

And if you want to discuss this further, you'll have to catch me first, cause ...