We are lucky to live in Wellington County, in our hamlets, villages and towns. Ignore the taxes. There are many things to find wrong with life here. Today, I challenge you to look at what is right about our places. Sum it up in two words: community spirit.
I can’t believe I am quoting Hillary Clinton, but she paid someone to coin the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Isn’t that why most of us are here? For our children to feel connected, to be safe and to offer them a quality of life they won’t get in the big city? We want them to have play dates, street hockey and to understand potatoes grow in the dirt at the farm up the street. We’re here for family we were born into and created.
I am first to admit I have had many days where I don’t like life in a small village. I’ve heard vicious gossip, watched people ostracize neighbours for a difference of opinion, and seen hatred over change. Petty politics and drama have shredded community spirit with a “choose your side” mentality. Been there, done that. Some of it I might even do again, on principle. More than once I’ve hidden in the produce aisle to avoid someone. But when I needed my village, it was there for me and my children. I will never forget that.
Here was my week in my neighbourhood, in my village. It began with the joy of holding a brand new baby boy – born in the home next to mine. His family is the future of my town. I got the news from another neighbour I affectionately refer to as the patriarch of my neighbourhood. She is the one who keeps popsicles in her freezer for our children, who are always safe in her company. She is the adult we would all run to in a crisis. She watches over my house, walks our dogs and is the fierce guardian of the neighbourhood children. I am surrounded by good people. I know they’re here if needed.
The next day, I helped celebrate news of a family who finally got the official stamp to become as they always were and always will be; safe and sound together. Adoption, custody, foster parents, however you love a child, you are forever changed. It is an honour to feel a part of helping them make this village their home.
My week ended with friends, by my community at large, gathered to say goodbye to a son of this village. I watched parents and family grieve. I watched teachers and friends weep. And I felt the unconditional love in every meal left at their doorsteps, in every hug exchanged, in every whispered prayer and silent tear. From the post office, to the grocery store, to the parking lot of my children’s school, there was love in my community, a spirit of “I’ve got your back,” and a sense that we are all in this together, for each other. It’s a choice to be here.
Maybe Clinton needs to abridge her quote. It takes a village to raise a village. It takes a village to raise our spirits. It takes a village to get us through. Here we are, grounded to settle roots, grow up, move on and ultimately, to come home.
Today, I challenge you to be the best in your village, wherever you call home in our county. Do something good for someone in your town. Play nice. Don’t cast stones. Don’t judge. Smile. Hold open a door for a neighbour at the post office. They live here too. They are lucky, just like you. And me.