Lessons from a Roach Race

Yes, it takes a village to raise our children. I was thrilled that our eldest wanted to spend some time on my parents' farm this summer because, you know, my parents have the BEST values, ie hard work, honesty, good clean livin', taking care of neighbors, etc. I was happy he would have some great Midwestern culture infused into his soul, in case I was falling short.

So what does my mom do? She takes him to a roach race. Yes, gentle readers, I know it hurts you to see it in print. A roach race. He even received in the mail yesterday, from my MOTHER, an article about the roach race.

It seems there is one fellow, Mr. Kersey who won the race on several occasions years ago. Here is what was written about him in the local paper:

"Kersey told the Banner Graphic he entered his first race to entertain a close friend -- Merle Miles -- who was dying of cancer. I wanted to do something to make him laugh. Turkey Merle was named after him," said Kersey. "When we won, we went over to his house to tell him about it."

So you see, sometimes things are not quite what they seem. On the surface, the roach race looks a little whacky. But I'll bet there were many people in that small town motivated by GOOD when they participated in that event, like Mr. Kersey, who just wanted to make his dying friend laugh.

Sweet Midwestern values. Thanks mom, for taking Max to the roach race. It takes a village to teach our children to live well.