My Community (Part 3)
by Susanna Olson
You could easily drive by my little town without ever becoming conscious of it’s existence. You might notice the “Mint Hill: Next two exits” sign and then continue listening to your iPod or arguing with your younger sister — unless you needed to stop for gas. Then you might hop off the freeway and note a good sized recreational park near a crumbling bar. You might head inside the gas station and speak to the friendly owner. You might even wonder how anyone could want to live here.
That is what I thought of Mint Hill the first time I saw it. Now, however, the community of neighbors and friends who have helped me discover myself has changed my perception of the dirty town hall and run down restaurant. Mint Hill is the only small town with Mr. Bill and his endless supply of fascinating life stories and tomato sandwiches, and Mrs. B’s freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Even though the majority of citizens are retired, I have no trouble finding friends, because substitute grandparents make wonderful companions.
Maybe you share a community that isn’t the “cool place to be” but a place you have found yourself taking refuge within. A place that has not only helped you but has also begun to define you. You might also think twice before dismissing the petty towns you pass on the freeway — they are nothing to you, but to someone else they might equal life.
“Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.” ~Swedish Proverb
Read the first two parts of Susanna Olson’s essay on the KidSpirit Global Beat group page, or on Facebook.
