Growing Up

Growing UpOct 31, 20264 min

WHEN YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO LOG IN

Mike Pope reflects on Maroa's familiar faces, face-to-face conversations and everyday acts of belonging before ordinary life required another login.

Growing UpOct 24, 20264 min

THE DADS WHO ALWAYS CAME OUTSIDE

A ball, a yard, a dad willing to come outside. Mike Pope reflects on the afternoons he remembers—and the ones he can still give his own children.

Growing UpOct 10, 20263 min

We Were Small-Town Close

At my thirty-year reunion, stories about two brothers reminded me how much of a small town we carry with us—and how many memories we still need to collect.

Growing UpSep 19, 20264 min

The Driveway With the Good Hoop

One worn basketball goal turned an ordinary driveway into the place where a small town learned who was outside, who was next, and how to make room for one more kid.

🌽 Junior's Adventure: Junior Creates the Official Driveway League

Growing UpSep 12, 20264 min

The Lunchbox

A plastic lunchbox disappeared after recess and returned two mornings later with a small yellow note—proof that a town can know what belongs where without turning kindness into a performance.

🌽 Junior's Adventure: Junior Opens the Lost-and-Found Department

Growing UpAug 22, 20266 min

The Treehouse Door

A lock gave four children control of a treehouse nobody owned. A younger girl, a frayed rope, and eleven missing cards showed them that belonging depends on what happens when someone reaches the door.

🌽 Junior's Adventure: Junior Establishes an Open-Door Policy