Fear Not

This is my first guest editorial. Annie and I were talking at Discovery Park a couple of weeks ago and she shared an event that her family organized earlier in the year. I wanted everyone to hear her story. I challenged her to share her story, but Annie said “No way”. “I went into graphic design because I hated math and writing.” Annie – you knocked it out of the park! What a great article and idea!

“The world is a more dangerous and a more lonely place – or so I am told. But that has not been my experience. Am I just lucky? Am I privileged? As they say, “Hard work puts you where good luck can find you.” My greatest privilege is to live in the United States of America where we are free to work for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This privilege is the result of previous generations sweat and toil. We all have the ability – nay, the responsibility – to look outside of ourselves, step out of our comfort zones, and make our hometowns a place where people thrive.

Six years ago, my family moved into our current neighborhood. Our neighbors reminisced about the old days when they used to have block parties and busloads of kids that played together. It seemed that as their kids grew up and moved away the block parties dismantled, and these neighbors began isolating themselves in their homes. My husband and I quickly discovered it was within our ability to re-engage our neighborhood. We decided to combine our patriotism with our need to rally our neighborhood by throwing a neighborhood Flag Day party and parade, where we could all come together under our nation’s first symbol of unity – the day America adopted its stars and stripes. Initially we thought we would only invite the close neighbors, but ultimately the mission became to engage as many people as possible. We decided to include all 67 houses on our half-mile long street as well as any friends and family that were looking for a reason to get out there and be cheerful.”

“The result has been amazing. The neighbors on our street have become friends and our friends have become neighbors. The elderly neighbors love seeing the minivan loads of kids that arrive. The kids love biking in the parade down our street. The grown men playfully decorate their muscle trucks with flags and balloons. The day itself is a success in its own. What has surprised me is the lasting effect this has had in our life.

Believe it or not, meeting new people stresses me out. But instead of thinking about what makes me comfortable, I thought about what was needed by the people around me. My children needed a great community to grow in, my neighbors needed an avenue to rekindle friendships, and we all needed something to unite us together. Had I identified myself as an introvert I would have missed a great opportunity. I urge you to create a Flag Day celebration of your own. Invite your neighbors. Invite your family and friends. Open your hearts and home and you may be surprised that the world is more Mayberry-like than you could have guessed.”

Annie, you are an amazing woman leading an amazing family and inspiring a whole block of people.

I believe most people still want to know their neighbors! When I was young and visited my grandmothers in Cambridge, Ohio, they both had big front porches and were only ten or so feet from the sidewalk. People walked to the store or the ice cream shop on the next block. Front porches are great ways to interact with neighbors. But in today’s suburbia, the porches have all been moved to the back of the house with a fence around the yard. The sidewalk is there – 50 feet away and nobody is walking on them except dogs leading their masters. There are no destinations on these walkways. So here’s an idea to change the neighborhood. Build your own little garden sitting area out by the sidewalk. Have an extra bench so someone walking by can stop and talk. Encourage your neighbors to do the same. Except you most likely don’t know most of your neighbors.

So do what Annie did!. Plan a block party. This is a great family activity!. Obviously you can’t do it today, but as you enjoy your 4th of July gathering, think how special it would be if the whole neighborhood was there and all the kids gathering and playing in the street or several backyards. Even if you live in the country, throw a harvest party! There’s always someone who loves to barbecue and everyone else could bring a dish to share. Labor day is coming. But who needs a special holiday – make one of your own!

Look’s like FUN to me!