Cyndi's Two Cents

Be grateful

Commentary.

Overheard at a recent livestock show at a state fair:  “Is this all we get?”

The remark was made by the 15-year old boy as he accepted the gift donated by a family who has invested many hours and many of their own dollars in young people involved in raising and showing cattle.  The boy’s beef heifer had been selected Junior Champion Bred and Owned in one of the breed shows at the fair.

I believe that one of two things is true:  either the boy’s parents would be mortified to know that he had uttered those words, or his parents said exactly the same thing when they saw the gift that was presented to the boy.

I am rooting for mortification.

Quite often, the trophies, awards or special gifts presented to young men and women at county and state fairs are donated by individuals or small businesses.  Those trophies and plaques and gifts are often in addition to premium dollars and ribbons awarded for placing in a show.  Can you imagine how the giver of the gift felt when she heard the young man spout those hurtful words?  I can.  I’ve been the giver of the gift at more than one youth event where similar words were spoken (they wanted a gift certificate or cash, not a trophy) and it does hurt.

I am appalled that the youth advisor for a breed association would have to go so far as to buy thank you cards, address them, stamp them and give them to the winning exhibitors so the only responsibility the young people have is to sign their names and drop the envelope in the mailbox.  I am even more greatly dismayed that despite these efforts to ensure the person donating the gift/award/money/prize receives a thank you, many still do not.

I’m certain most of these kids and their parents work very hard, investing a great deal of time, effort and money in exhibiting their livestock.  Individuals and businesses support and recognize those efforts in many ways.  Not everyone can afford to buy the Grand Champion pen of chickens or market lamb at the 4-H Auction.  Some volunteer their time, some donate prizes or money, and many do both.

Have we become so very selfish as a society that being appreciative for receipt of a gift from a friend or stranger does not warrant a simple thank you?  Are we raising children so overindulged and ill-mannered that they are comfortable displaying ungracious behavior and spewing ungrateful comments publicly?

I spend a lot of time raising up the youth in our rural communities.  There are many truly fine young people with a strong work ethic, unblemished moral character and good manners.  Unfortunately, even some of them do not know how to properly express their gratitude for the kindness of others.

I’m sure I’ll get some negative feedback for my column today, but if it makes one parent or one child act differently – and more importantly, think differently – it will indeed be worth it.

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  This was true in the previous generation too. My kids showed in FFA and 4H, and the same lack of courtesy in thanking was a problem then.

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  Well written and appropriate. Thank-you.

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  I am thankful for all the wonderful kids and parents that are still out there. I hang on that they still out number the disrespectful and unappreciate. As an adult, our hardest issue to face, is that our children grow up just like US!!!!

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  I am very thankful for the parents whom have raised their kids to count their blessings. I hang on to the faith that there are more kids who know right from wrong. And its sad to say but the kids that are disrespectful and unappreciative, have most always learned it from their parents.

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