Tradition.

It is that time of the year again. I see less and less people showing their support. At this rate, by the time my young grand son Darius, is 20, there will be no support at all.

What most people now don’t realize is, that they can pay what they want, small or large for one, and with that payment, they can take more than one! It has always been like that. I have no problem paying and taking more than one.

Now there are all different types, and with those the price is fixed and so it should be, for taking two when, it should be one, would be wrong.

They have for all types, not just the traditional ones but metal small ones, rubber ones for the wrists, I have seen knitted huge ones. Over the years, different colours have appeared, for different races, and animals.

From a young age I have worn mine, always buying mine at school. My children I made sure, I passed on this very important tradition, although it has not always been ‘safe’ to do so.

I did buy a metal one, but people have debated, that stops people from buying another one again.

It is important to pass on to others who don’t know, like Darius why we buy them and why we wear them.

The traditional ones, each year is the same ‘battle’ how long can I keep it, without losing it? It is flimsy, and the pin either sticks into me, or it drops out! I always put two in my car at the front one on the left side and one on the other side, so those walking past can see them. I am proud of them. I leave them there all year round, and the colour fades over the year.

Over the years, when I buy more than one, I get one for Meghan and one for Daniel, it is Meghan who wears hers as a teenager or young adult, and never Daniel.

Then when Daniel saw me with mine, last week, he said, “I want to wear one.” There was that had a proper pin on, that closes, so I gave him that one.

This year, has been very important to Daniel, he has learnt SO much about his country, the country of his birth. He has seen things, and heard things, he has taken it all in and realized people like to SHOW their beliefs.

It makes me very proud to see him, now in his 20’s proudly wearing his.

He has come full circle and what started off as me pinning it to him, now he has seen the importance of wearing it. None of his friends, wear one.

His Poppy. x