With the recent passing of former child star, Shirley Temple Black, we have been treated to an array of film clips showing us a dimpled, curly-haired little six year old who had an amazing capacity to dance, sing and learn lines. Many of us probably watched with interest and admiration but with no particular nostalgia. After all, this was a long time ago for most of us, some with no recollections at all of this remarkable little girl. However for those of us Americans who were little kids during the depression years and WWII, this sparkling child is a part of our living, early 20th Century history…and now she’s gone. A niggling sense of loss...
Probably we won’t lose sleep at night over this or spend endless hours reminiscing…it was all a long time ago…but we may feel a niggling sense of loss that an iconic American character is no longer with us. Changes come very fast these days. Technology races ahead with something new practically every week or two, and relationships find new formats almost to the point of distraction. But quietly, over the years, Shirley Temple grew up to be a fine lady…a wife, mother and a political figure in her ambassadorships, so she certainly became much more than the charming child we grew to love.
Enjoy a simpler time...
Nevertheless her life reminded us of a part of ourselves that could find the good in people and enjoy a simpler time when a candy treat could bring on a smile…for old, Americans kids anyway.
I will miss that….
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