Kinda sad

Tonight Preston (and his friend Dylon) attended his last 4-H meeting as a member.  I was remembering how excited he was to finally turn 7 so he could be an official member.  He had a pig and was so excited to show it!   He and I have talked a lot about 4-H over the years.  He doesn’t see that he has gained any real knowledge out of it.   I have a feeling he will look back someday and see he is wrong.  His excitement has definitely waned over the 11 years he has been a member.  I wish I could say that the 7 year old excitement was still alive and present, but it isn’t.  I do still strongly believe in this program however.  Learning where your food comes from, and some knowledge about agriculture- priceless.  Knowing how to run a meeting, how to cooperate with others, how to get along when you don’t agree, how to prepare a presentation, how to fake it til you make it, how to cook, and how to present your best products - all important lessons he has learned -even if he can’t see it right now.  He has also attended summer camps, had opportunities to go to community events and give back, been overly generously compensated by the community for livestock he sold, and traveled to Washington DC.   I truly believe, as he moves on through his life he will look back with a fondness that all 4-Hers seem to have.  July means a pool party and August brings his last fair.  

 He is a man who is now excited about other things.   Starting college, living on his own, making his own way in the world.  I am so very proud of him, and kinda sad at the same time.