Thursday, February 01, 2007

in praise of small towns

our town has only a few thousand residents ... the surrounding cottage country adds thousands more in the summer ... but those of us who have been here for a while, have atleast face recognition of each other ...

yesterday, when my aunt and i were shopping, i was chatting with our local grocer (who had carried our bags to my car) ... i happened to mention that the shelving units i had ordered, were now waiting for me at the sears catalogue outlet ... immediately he asked how i was getting them home? i just told him the backseat went down in our car, and that was how we'd wrangle them in via the trunk ... oh no no no, he said, he would get them ... after a bit of back and forth (i heard The Voice whisper in my ear to allow someone to do the kindness they were offering to do) ... we agreed to meet after my aunt and i had finished shopping ...

about 45 minutes later, i went back to the grocery store ... when i found mr. grocer, he just said "all done" ... i was puzzled since i didn't think he knew my last name ... how could he get the order from Sears? ... well - somehow he had! ... and since all the business owners know each other, mr sears outlet knew it was ok to release my order to mr. grocer! ... then mr. grocer trucked the 2 heavy boxes to the condo ... he unloaded them by himself - not allowing leo to do anything but open the door! ... like he said, "all done" ... only in small towns, eh!

so yesterday we put the units together and i spent last night unpacking my books ... "my books" said with much love! ...

... contented sigh ...

it may turn nasty cold out there ... but condo central is starting to shape up and feels ever so much like home ... home, in our little town ...

It is summertime in my heart,
It is summertime in my heart;
Since Jesus saved me - New life He gave me -
Even in wintertime, it's summer in my heart!

14 comments:

Maggie Ann said...

Hi friend! Loved this post...it reminds me of the Jan Karon series...have you read that series? And I especially enjoyed your picture and the line...'even in wintertime, its summertime in my heart'...a beautiful truth..=). Stay cozy. I wondor how many of us are wishing we had a grocer like yours..=)

Saija said...

maggie ann ... no, i haven't read the series ... so many books, so little time, eh! ... you stay cozy too! ... they promise us a bone chillingly cold weekend - brrrrrr!

Anonymous said...

I too live in a small town. The same one I grew up in. Even though I spent about 12 years in other states, when I came back "home" I still had the same neighbors for the most part. There is a certain security in being in a close knit community. I'm glad you are getting settled in a nice town.

Ms. Kathleen said...

I live outside a TINY gaming town but there is something so nice when you recognize a face in a store...the grocer remembers your name...

So happy that you are happy!

Hugs!

Jammie J. said...

That's wonderful. Even more wonderful is to have your book treasures readily at hand. :)

Saija said...

pt ... i find it comforting too, to know and be known ... it's like everyone looks out for each other ... :o)

kathleen marie ... yes, it is nice to be settling in ... and finally unpacking!!! blessings!

jeanette ... i am just gazing at the books as i sit here and type ... i didn't even realize how much i missed their VISUAL presence!

Terry said...

Dear Saija...ALL the little towns in Manitoba are like that!!
I remember so many people leaving food and clothing at my mom's door when we lived in Rivers...with nine children it sure did come in handy.
And one time a lady from Portage bought a motor for mom's wringer washing machine because my dad could not afford to buy one.
She just KNEW somehow and bought that motor!
Not to mention the 33 miles they drove to pick up us kids for Sunday School every Sunday!

That was so kind of that guy to help you Saija...just like you helped that poor man who fell with his bike that cold snowy day. You did it withut even a thought!!


No matter how cold it is in your little town and in my beloved Manitoba...you will be cozy!!...Love Terry

Saija said...

Terry ... that's a wonderful story, thanx for sharing ... and i have certainly grown to appreciate a small town atmosphere ... i even try to do most of my shopping here, to support local merchants ... blessings on ya!

Linda said...

I grew up in a small town and miss that friendliness and everyone knowing everyone.

I like those lyrics, Saija!

Saija said...

linda ... i've always lived in small communities - tho' this little town is the smallest, it is by far the friendliest! :o)

Shelley L. MacKenzie said...

It just amazes me at the friendliness there is in small towns. It was awfully nice of Mr. Grocer to help you...very nice indeed!

Saija said...

shelley ... yes, it seems that a small town becomes an extended family! hope all is well with you!

Catherine said...

That is such a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it.

Saija said...

catherine ... i feel so fortunate to have blessings like this happen ... people can be so kind ... :)