Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

By: Jill Pertler

“You don’t really appreciate what you’ve got until it’s gone.”

These wise words came out of the mouth of my 16-year-old son; surprisingly, he wasn’t referring to a Snicker’s bar. I’ve always known he is an old soul, but this particular insight was unexpected. Typically teenage boys are consumed by thoughts of driver’s licenses, (girls), the Friday night football game, (girls) and food. Lots and lots of food.

Time for reflection and philosophical epiphanies are best left to old people – you know, those 30 and above. People like your mom. Or teachers. So I...