-What did you do in The Chalk Wars, Mommy?

Well, it was a difficult summer back in 2008.  Tensions were riding high and tempers were flaring. 

The GOM (Grouchy Old Men) had decided to launch an attack against the NC (Neighborhood Children.) 

-But why?

GOM cannot live unless they can suck the joy out of other people’s lives.  They’re kind of like vampires that way.

-Do they wear capes?

Oh, no.  Grouchy Old Men would never make such a theatrical fashion statement. 

-So how did the GOM attack the NC?

The NC were enjoying the summer of ’08.  The weather was beautiful and they had lovely long days to play outside and have fun. They were a happy and creative group and one of the ways they seized each summer day and throttled it was to draw with chalk.   They filled up their own driveways with artistic designs and made elaborate hopscotch patterns in the street along with drawings of themselves, animals or just silly things.

-Why?

Because it was fun.  Fun is something that NC must have to survive.  Once they give up their right to have fun, they turn into Grouchy Old Men and Women. 

Drawing with chalk is fun and non-destructive.  Traffic and weather erase the artwork naturally and children know that.  Still, they delight in their productions for the short time nature allows and part of their fun was in knowing that once their creations were gone, they would be free to make more.

-So it didn’t hurt anyone?

No, hurting people isn’t fun!  Making anyone sad is a very bad thing to do but making children sad is a sin against God.  We’re only children for a very small period of our lives and because of that, God has ordered that we treasure and adore children for the short time that we have them. 

-But, Mommy.  I don’t understand.  If the chalk drawings went away and the children eventually grew up, why did the GOM attack them?  That doesn’t make sense.

No, it doesn’t make sense, does it?  That’s why we fought the GOM in The Chalk Wars.  Many called for “peace at any cost” arguing that we should give up our right to play in order to pacify those who stop us.  But your Grandma knew that some things were worth fighting for and that fun is probably the best reason ever to fight.

-Did Grandma do chalk drawings?

Yes, she did.  Grandma knew that play was not ever supposed to be just for a certain age group.  The purpose of play is to make us happy and since God wants us to be happy, playing is, in a way, worshipping God, The Creator of us all.

-Does God do chalk drawings?

In a way.  Every sunrise and sunset is a reminder to us that the world is a beautiful place but it also teaches us that beauty does not last forever.  In the wink of an eye, the sunset fades and the children age.  It is very important to notice the glorious harmony of each and every day we are given.

-So, what started The Chalk Wars, Mommy?

One beautiful day in July of 2008, we drew our chalk drawings all day.  It was a very nice day and we had so much fun.  We all went to bed so tired that night but we knew that it was a day we would remember.  We knew it wouldn’t be long until the snow would fly and then not only could we not draw on the street, the street wouldn’t be seen by anyone! 

But when we got up the next day, we saw that someone had used a water hose and had deliberately washed away all of our hard work.  We felt so sad.  It felt like we weren’t important and we were afraid to play in our neighborhood.  We thought we were doing a good thing by playing outside but instead we were told to be quiet and stay unnoticed. 

-But you didn’t do that, did you, Mommy?

No, we didn’t!  We fought the only way we knew how.  Every time the GOM were mean, we drew something pretty.  Every time they yelled at us, we smiled and giggled.  Every time we were told to shut up, we sang a song, usually one we made up!  It was hard and at first, we were afraid but your Grandma told us she would watch over us and if anyone tried to hurt us, they would have to deal with her.

-Was Grandma mean?

No, but there was one thing she would not stand for: anyone trying to bully any child. 

-Did she get in trouble?

Quite a bit!  But she taught me that sometimes getting into trouble is the right thing to do.

-Can we go outside and do chalk drawings now?

I wouldn’t have it any other way.