In 1965, the TV series “I Dream of Jeannie” became an instant hit. It took place in Cocoa Beach, Florida, near the Kennedy Space Center.
I was 10 years old in 1965. Life was care free and it seemed there wasn’t a worry for my friends and classmates other than an occasional schoolyard skirmish, then all seemed to go away.
I recently met a mom whose 10 year old son was bullied at school and on the Internet. He couldn’t seem to get away from it and the bullying soon turned to threats, so his mom enrolled him in another school. After an investigation of the 10 year old bully, it turns out that the boy had a “hit list” of several others he wanted to kill. The boy was expelled but still remains in the neighborhood. The boys home life has been pretty much a disaster as both parents are nowhere to be found and he is being raised by relatives. I wonder if this young man’s life would have been different had he lived in a nurturing home with parents who showed him love and support and helped to guide him every step of the way. I’m thinking we could sure use a return to those “I Dream of Jeannie” days.
Cocoa Beach was my stop today as I made my way in The Kindness Bus to the east coast of central Florida. Alexandra, who took today’s photo is a new mom of 4 days. She was thrilled to see The Kindness Bus and Bicycle come to her town.
Just for fun, here is the link to the 1st episode of season 1 of “I Dream of Jeannie.”