COMMUNITY..........

Often you hear talk about small country towns - they are filled with gossip, everyone knows everyone elses business, you can't do anything without every Tom, Dick and Harry knowing about it etc etc etc....

I wouldn't trade living in a small commuity for all the tea in China. I've lived in them for nearly half a century (other than 3 years in the city for study purposes).

This recent disaster in the town across from us has seen all our surrounding small communities pull together. Most of you know I work in the not-for-profit (health & welfare) sector. We have been receiving non stop calls from aged couples offering free long term spare beds to individuals and families, we have had numerous offers of clothing, bedding, furniture, free rentals in holiday homes, food hampers, money has been pouring into local banks collecting for victims of the fire, local businesses offerering whatever they can spare to assist.

I burst with pride when I see everything put aside to help those in need. I watch our communities all pulling together to do whatever it takes to get others back on track.

In the tougher years ahead I suspect it wil be the smaller communities that will fare the best in the early days. It is the spirit of small towns, especially smaller farming communities where history consistently shows communities had to work together to get many things done.

There is a spirit of "oneness" in times of trouble that consistently raises its head in small communities....I wouldn't trade my small town for anything:)

Before I close I'd like to wish you all a safe New Year. May it bring you and yours all you might need in the year ahead.

 

Take care of you and yours...and our planet:)

molly