Bloom Where You are Planted 

     Growing up, I enjoyed the simple things in life. Riding my bike around town with friends until dark, fishing, swimming, or boating on the river, watching my brother and his friends play hockey or wiffle ball at the church parking lot, and cheering on the local men’s baseball team at the ball field on Sundays. We’d go to the little store and get candy or ice cream, and get a burger or pizza from the tavern. I attended the local catholic school with 8 grades in 3 classrooms, went to church on Sundays, and worked at the church picnic. Life was slow and simple. 

     When I got older and went to high school in town, and then went away for college, I realized there was so much more out there. I enjoyed the the fun of high school and college football games, discovered that a trip to the grocery store and shopping wasn’t an all day experience, and the joys of pizza delivery. I remember coming home from college for visits and thinking that I could never move back to our small town. My life was full and fast paced, and there was nothing to do in my small town. 

     But, roots run deep, and God knows best. Except for those years away at college, I’ve lived in or right outside my small hometown now for my whole life. I came to appreciate the quiet, simple, slow pace as I’ve grown older and couldn’t imagine it any other way! My husband and I raised our three children with those small town experiences and values. Yes, they had more opportunities than we had growing up, such as playing select sports, summer and spring break trips, and frequent trips to town for movies, eating out, or shopping. However, when you ask them now as young adults, what they enjoyed most about growing up it was not any of those things. They talk about fishing on the river, spending time on the sandbars, or going camping. They appreciate the closeness of the community, the values of small town living, and the simple experiences. The oldest two have even moved back close to home to begin their own families, and the youngest has plans to do the same. How did we get so lucky? 

     Small town life though doesn’t come without its challenges. People know your business more than you’d want, trips to town still take awhile, and living between the rivers has its own set of unique troubles. The last few years, Mother Nature and the rivers have a mind of their own. The stress of not knowing what the next day will bring can impact everyone. I’m often asked, “Why would you want to live there? You always have to worry about flooding.” But it’s times like these where small town living and community are so appreciated.

     A few weeks ago, the river threatened the venue for my daughter’s wedding reception. Before we even had time to really worry and start thinking about what we were going to do, many community members were calling us offering solutions. Where else are you immediately offered, without hesitation, a neighbor’s shed, or a nearby parish gym? The generosity of community is amazing! As farmers, family, and friends struggled with sandbagging, and moving things out of their own homes or others, they still had our backs. That’s why we live here! 

    Our kids had plenty of room to play, space to raise pets, opportunities to hunt and farm. The chance to see wondrous sunsets, and unhindered views of the moon and stars. The sight of the bluffs nearby and the vibrant colors of the trees in the fall. Learning about the seasons by watching the farmers’ fields be planted, grow, and harvested each year. Having family, people you consider family, and friends close by to grow up, play with, and learn from over the years. Our kids learned the values of hard work and volunteering. To immediately step up and help others no matter what. That’s why we live here! 

     Not everyone can be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer because we need carpenters, teachers, and clerks. Well not everyone can live in a small town. We need larger towns and cities and people who enjoy living there. I know many people that love their neighborhoods, being close to work, and the conveniences of living in larger towns and cities. They can tell you many great reasons for why they live where they do, and they should feel that way. We all should. 

     We each have our own choice to choose how we live our lives and where we choose to do so. No matter where you live, the important thing is to be a good person, raise a good family, envelope yourself with wonderful friends, and be a contributing member to your community. Know your neighbors, support others, volunteer to help others, and live life to the fullest. Take advantage of the opportunities you’ve been given. Bloom where you are planted!