Norte Vista, A Future View Across the Desert

Norte Vista. Sounds like a bluff overlooking the rugged wilds of Utah. Rugged, yes, but I'm pecking this out from the library at lunch from Norte Vista high school in Riverside, California.

What does that have to do with life in the slow lane to significant fathering, generational style? A lot, because I am subbing as a teacher up close to the Millennial generation and not sure I like what I see. Sure, it's a special ed track. And they liked me and were well behaved (what a relief to the norm, these days). But they didn't know nuthin. Really. And almost half of three classes declared (with hands feebly raised) they were chosing college for their future.

I asked about family settings, including diner with the entire family at least four days a week. Half raise hands. Half had grandfathers living somewhat nearby. "Has that been a help in your life?" Half of those, or about 1/3 of three classes, said yes.

During a break, I caught a Parade Magazine article from 2002 by Joyce Brothers (remember, in CA we are saving money everywhere, but Parade '02?!). Through studies and experience, she affirmed what we all guessed. Families with grandparents in the picture had deeper roots and healthier lives. She ended by saying, "...and with family roots that grow deep, the branches reach further to the Sun." Thanks, Joyce.