Listen to the audio version of this post here.
We Can Still Be A Community
I admit, I had an impulse not to respond to the doorbell. You can probably relate. Who opens the door when they’re not expecting anyone?
It’s likely another get-out-the-vote volunteer, or a Jehovah’s Witness, or maybe they’re pushing that electricity scheme. Whatever it is, I’m not interested. A person can get kind of grumpy, avoiding those pests.
Or … it could be a cute Cub Scout.
It turned out Max was at my door hoping I’d buy a Christmas wreath to support the Scouts. He was adorable. Eightish-ish maybe, towheaded, missing a tooth or two. He made his pitch, with his dad standing watchfully on the sidewalk. He was kind of cute too, to tell you the truth.
They live in the next block of bungalows. We chatted a little bit. They acknowledged the wreaths will be a lot cheaper at the grocery store. But … this is the Scouts’ big fundraiser and it’s for a good cause and … you know how that goes.
The whole exchange made me smile. Such a sense of community.
Yes, I ordered a wreath.
Unlike the grocery store, Max will deliver it on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I’ll enjoy having it on the door for the whole holiday season. And, I thought about all those people who bought Girl Scout cookies from me many years ago.
Also, did I mention that sense of community?
I had the same positive feeling the other day. I picked up my new glasses (wait till you see ‘em!), stopped at Panera, did a few errands, and came home to discover that my other glasses were missing.
I guessed I’d left them at Panera. In Downers Grove. Which is nowhere near the aforementioned bungalows on the northwest side of Chicago. Ugh.
There were telephone hoops to jump through, but I did finally get to Brandon, the manager at the Butterfield Plaza Panera. He was as nice as he could be! Yes, he had my glasses, they’re right here for me anytime I can get in to pick them up.
Now, this was Saturday afternoon. It seemed like the whole world was out driving around, doing errands, and getting in my way. It’s enough to make a person cranky.
Unless she’s in a ridiculously upbeat mood because her glasses are safe, people are helpful, and after all, it’s a beautiful day for a drive. I got back in the car, put on a podcast, and pondered how people are mostly decent.
It made me think about community.
Here’s another thing. I’ve been getting out for a walk just about every day lately. The fall colors are gorgeous, and the Halloween displays are so much fun.
I usually encounter people along the way, walking a dog or pushing a stroller, or sweeping the fallen leaves off their porch.
Yes, some are preoccupied with whatever’s playing in those earbuds. Some are deep in thought, seemingly oblivious to the world. And a few are just plain scary.
But, for the most part, these neighbors smile back at me and return my greeting. Because we are a community.
I just don’t believe the United States is a big “garbage can.”
And I don’t believe any of my neighbors are “vermin.” Whether they say “Hola” or “As-salamu Alaikum” or “Annyeonghaseyo” they are not “animals.” They are as much a part of my community as the cute Cub Scout who could be straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting.
And I’m appalled at the hate I’m hearing from some candidates and their screaming supporters. It’s so dispiriting, watching the news as Election Day approaches.
Yes, I know I’m better off than some people. On the other hand, I’m not nearly as comfortable as the billionaires out to buy the White House and the power that goes with it.
I do see our differences. Clearly. And, in spite of the ugliness, I see a sense of community too.
For today, because Max and his dad stopped by, I choose to focus on community. And to share it with you.
HI Catherine,
It is very heartwarming when you get an excited young salesman at your door, isn’t it? They are full of good news for you in the long run after you listen to their spiel….its always such a good pitch for a good cause.
I am a sucker every time and happy to support. It is Americana at its finest!
Yes, Max was a cutie, Cindy. And you’re right, my experience with him did feel like a slice of Americana. I will say, though, that times have changed. Instead of filling out the order form for him … he gave me a QR code so I could do it online.
Catherine, I loved looking at our community through your eyes today! Thank you so much for sharing this generous, loving outlook. I needed that!! And I’m glad to hear despite the glasses setback, you enjoyed a beautiful fall day!
Thanks, Kim! It seems like a time for intentional focus on the positive, and I figured I might not be alone in needing that.
It’s all about perspective, isn’t it!
I’m fighting hard to keep mine positive!
I’m with you, Karen. It’s easy to get negative over the news coverage. And it only got worse after I wrote this, what with the Madison Square Garden extravaganza. I’m choosing to focus on the Cub Scout and that nice guy at Panera instead.
As always, Catherine, your words inform and uplift. My new community is in Tucson, AZ, and after living in the same place for so many years in IL, it will take time to build a community. However, we’ve already been to a pumpkin-carving party across the street from our “new” (100yo) house, and were welcomed by our neighbors. The church I’ve been attending has an associate pastor who just moved here, also from Chicago, and she knows my former pastor! And I’ve plugged into my alumni network so I have some ready-made friends here already. I’ll be in the lookout for some Scouts to buy a wreath from, I promise. Missing you!
It’s wonderful to hear how you’re settling in down there, Vickie, although I ‘m still sorry you’re so far away. About the pastor — isn’t it interesting how we find connections like that? It speaks to the value of conversation — without it, we never discover the connections. I’m still planning to get to Arizona before too long, and would love to see you when I’m there.
That was just fantastic, Catherine. I listened to the audio and read along. I think you should revive the old Paul Harvey, The Rest of the Story. You’d be great at that.
I’m 100% with your thoughts on community. Politically, we’re in the minority in my neighborhood, but I know that among all “the opposition” who live around me, that they’d have my back in a crisis and they give generously, week in and week out, of their time to help us and our charity feed hungry kids.
I’ve been thinking lots and long about what we can do to get back to a quieter, more respectful, “agree to disagree” world. What unites us? What are our common interests? What takes us away from the vitriol and divisiveness? I’ve come up with four things that, I think, can bring us all back together. I call them F.A.M.S. That stands for Food, Arts, Music, and Sports. We are the most diverse country in the world, and we are enriched by the melding of F.A.M.S. influences that we all can enjoy. I think the term “melting pot” is a misnomer. We’re more like a charcuterie board, and our lives are better because we can sample the myriad offerings of F.A.M.S.
Thanks again for the wonderful, calming piece that you wrote and spoke. Be well. – Alan
Thanks, Alan! I so enjoy recording my blog every week. I don’t think many people listen to it, but those who do rave about it. Which is gratifying!
Interesting how you two have bridged what could be a red-blue gap with your neighbors. It’s impressive, given how some people have stopped speaking to friends and even family. (And I can admit, I’ve muted a few people on Facebook. I just can’t even, with their negativity.)
I like your FAMS construct. You now I’m not much for sports, but I’m all in for Food, Arts, and Music as ways to connect. I’m happy to be part of the charcuterie board, as long as I don’t have to be one of those stinky cheeses!😉
Hi Catherine,
I love your perspective about community and wonder what caused it to diminish. More often than not, I think back to times as a child when other children from different races and sexes would just play together without any thought to poltics or being a part of a certain group.
Duriing some quiet reading time this week, I learned that we need to cherish those that truly go out of their way to have more of a community and be on watch for those that use the buzz words to sound or appear like they value community when in their hearts they do not.
Well, I think some public officials have intentionally fomented a decline in that sense of community, Stephen. And, we may have been headed that way even without their input. I agree with you about cherishing the folks who help us develop community, and being wary of those who seem to have other goals in mind.
Catherine! I love this so much. YES, community is alive and well. Thank you for hitting the mark, as you always do. I agree with above comments – we love your words and your delivery. To do a Paul Harvey-esque something – how delightful that could be! “A Sense of Community with Catherine Johns.” Endless stories and anecdotes. Bring it!
Thanks, Kelly! I’m not exactly running the Joy House here.😉 But I a being intentional about focusing on the delightful people around me. I hope to inoculate myself against the divisiveness and negativity that’s so much of the discourse these days.