A time of innocence

[david]

Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we'd choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days,
oh yes, those were the days
*** *** ***
Time it was
and what a time it was

A time of innocence

There’s some truth to the saying, “ignorance is bliss.”

In good circumstances, children remain ignorant of the terrible realities of the world they are born into. They are protected from cruel, ugly and unfair forces that, inevitably, will one day impact their lives.

Innocence and naivety are prized; they are to be nurtured and preserved in children. I’m afraid too many 21st century kids are rushing through the “wonder” years and are missing the magic that comes with naive discovery.

Though I can still enjoy – and arguably experience, vicariously – the absolute ecstasy of first-time experiences, I miss having the sense of adventure that accompanies having your whole life still ahead of you.

I miss knowing that something really great is about to happen, but not knowing what it will feel like, or taste, or smell or sound like.

It’s wonderful to revisit some of life’s great moments, to enjoy childhood experiences now tempered by the wisdom and perspective that comes with age.

It’s great to be able to share and to guide young ones toward and through adventures that still resonate – books, movies, plays, beaches, parks, zoos and outings to other marvelous places both real and fantastical.

But to be innocent, to be ignorant about Peter Pan and Mary Poppins and the Grand Canyon … to not yet have experienced ice cream or warm sand between the toes or a first kiss or falling in love…

I’m glad I’ve seen and done so many fun and rewarding things during my life; but I miss not having not yet done them. I miss having new discoveries outnumber the revisiting of old ones – no matter how much I treasure the repetition.

Now that I’ve passed beyond that desirable, magical age of innocence, I suppose I’m becoming more of a gourmet.

I’m learning to savor joyful experiences and to discover nuances and fine points that escaped my attention when I raced headlong through them in my youth.

If love can be lovelier the second time around, why can’t many of life’s other great discoveries be so, as well?

I’m certain that I appreciate many things far more now than I ever did as a child.

Appreciate.

It’s a good word, a cultured word – refined and very mature.

I appreciate the beauty and artistry of Disneyland; I appreciate the engineering required to make it operate safely and profitably; and I appreciate the Entrepreneurship and pioneering spirit that empowered Walt Disney to transform Orange orchards into the Happiest Place on Earth.

I consider Disneyland to be a symbol of what’s great about America: patriotism, family, wholesome fun, music, beauty and adventure. And I appreciate all of that – and more.

But I’d give up all of my insights and understanding about what makes the Magic Kingdom as wonderful as it is; I’d give up the power to appreciate the finer points; I’d give all that up in a minute…

I’d gladly give that up if I could just go to Disneyland one more time … one more time for the first time.