City vs. Country

Last night I was flipping through a parenting magazine as I half watched a very educational television program (ok, probably more like some ridiculous reality tv show). Amongst the articles instructing me on how to parent my toddler (aka wrangling a orangutang with no fear and mood swings that would rival a 13 year old girl) and good looking recipes that I always think I should attempt but never do was a "debate" section. This month's topic was addressing whether it is better to raise children in the country or the city.

I have honestly never even thought of one being better than the other. I have the unique perspective of having been raised in the city (one of the largest in Canada) and now living, for the last 5 years, in the country. It's a no brainer as to what is better for me at this point in my life; I never felt at home in the city. During the toast to the bride on my wedding day my uncle summed it up perfectly. "She is a country girl that happened to be born in the city". I love my country lifestyle (while appreciating the fact that all the city amenities are only a couple hours away).

But what about T?

In my opinion, one is not better for raising children than the other. They are just different. Both offer unique opportunities and challenges. In the city, the sounds of passing vehicles, pedestrians and the occasional emergency vehicle lulled me to sleep. Street lamps were a constant glow outside my window. Out here in the country, it is quiet, and dark. (Except for the occasional bawling cow and the stars... So many stars.) In the city, we carpooled to school, and later on, we took public transit. Out here, T will take a school bus. The city offers many enrichment opportunities in the form of art galleries, museums, and exhibits (oh ya, and the shopping!) while the enrichment our farm offers is not something you could ever capture in a still life or static exhibit.

T gets to experience wide open spaces, livestock, and the pride that is turning hard work and dedication into food to feed these cities.

I am excited that T will get to experience the best of both worlds. I hope she embraces the multiculturalism the city has to offer when we visit her GeeGee while remembering her country roots. I hope she appreciates the sense of community there is amongst farmers and the quaintness of small town life. And I am grateful that I live in a part of the world where they are both so accessible.

Most of all I just want her to look back at her childhood with fond memories like I do.