Memories and Mayberry

Being a native born North Carolinian, I’ve been feeling sentimental since Andy Griffith died. I grew up with the Andy Griffith show and the days of my childhood weren’t so very different from the ones portrayed in the show, although I grew up in a much bigger town. It would be easy to say that those days were better times, but in many ways they were not. Mayberry was a delightful place, but the show didn’t delve very far into its shadows and dark corners. There was a lot of intolerance in the l960’s and ignorance that has finally, hopefully, been laid to rest. We have a ways to go, but we’re getting there. People say, “Those were friendlier times. People sat on their porches and talked to their neighbors more.” True; in my neighborhood we mostly go about our business until there’s a natural disaster or critical need and we all turn out and pull together. These days we have Facebook and social media where people find long lost friends and post things that make us laugh or cry or think hard. Sometimes they also post malicious rumors or lies, or scathing remarks when someone’s political or religious views differ with theirs. But back then, folks gossiped over the back fences and fed the rumor mill and shunned those that were “different” and that was just as hurtful. More so, because it was very personal. So we have to remember—I have to remember—that even though times have changed, and it’s tempting to think about how much we miss those times, there’s also much to be grateful for. We can feel sentimental and reminisce about the “good ol’ days” with friends who grew up in the same time period, while remembering the good things that have happened since 1960. We can, and should, hang on to our determination to teach our kids and grandkids the same good lessons Andy taught Opie about bein’ kind. Do you have a favorite memory of Andy and the Mayberry crowd? Well, Shezam! Please share!