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Many of you have grand-parents residing locally who are aging in their 60’s 70’s & 80’s. What fond memories of visits with your grand-parents I’m sure you experienced in your younger years. Grandma’s house was always a special place with the smell of fresh baked cookies and cakes when she knew you were coming. And so many special little things you learn out back in grandpa’s shop. Such wonderful memories.
Now I must ask you, “Would you want your grandparents to go out and clean up the trash along the local highway?” Not a good thought is it? You say, ”No way. Prisoners do that kind of work!” Well I must tell you that it is not so true and yes that many grandparents are doing just that.
I am a member of two individual ADOT one-mile clean-up crews. I am 77 years young and somewhat medium in age amongst many of my peers. We’ve done no wrong, we’ve violated no laws but we’ve shown pride in our state by volunteering to pick up trash along the local highway roadsides. We do this every 3-4 months and I assure if not done, it becomes unsightly. It accumulates daily without fail.
But, wait, before you run off to tell your dear grand-parents you read about these older folks out cleaning up along the highway, I want you to stop for just a moment. Ask yourself, what do you do with empty cigarette packs, empty beverage containers, spit bottles, etc.., as you drive down the highway to work or shop? Do you allow your children to throw paper, etc., out the car windows? Oh yes, and when you buy that beverage six pack or bag of ice at the store, do you just drop the plastic bag in the back of your truck bed, where it stays until 2 miles down the highway? Styrofoam cups in the back of the truck, take the same route.
OK, now go tell your dear grand-parents that you read about these seniors like them who are full of pride for state and country and do their little part by cleaning along the local highway. Yes, hug those grand-parents very tightly while there because they may not always be there for you. Now most importantly, next time you touch that window button to throw trash, remember grand-parents & Please have mercy.
Caring local citizen,
John O’Hara
Kearny, AZ
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