Rick Patrick
Columnist
As I am writing this, I am reminded of the phrase, “preaching to the choir.” I suppose that phrase comes from the fact that those in the church choir have heard the preacher’s sermons enough to know what he is going to say and not much in the sermon is likely to be new. But for the benefit of the few of you who may not now relate to what I am going to say, I will say it anyway. I love living in our small town. I love the fact that I can go into the bank and most of the people there know me by name. I love going to a local sandwich shop for lunch and knowing that I will probably see at least one or two people who know me and are known by me.
I have very dear friends who live in large cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. I know those cities had their finer points in terms of offerings for entertainment, cultural activities and the like. They are certainly wonderful places to visit and I always look forward to the times when I am able to visit those places. But, in terms of places to live, give me the “Mayberry” type, small-town atmosphere any day.
I was reminded of this recently when I had a reason to visit the local branch of the bank with which I do business. I appreciated the fact that the pleasant young lady working behind the counter knew me and knew the person behind me in line. She was able to assist him while waiting on something in order to finish my business. While standing there, the three of us exchanged pleasantries and even a couple of really bad jokes. (Do you know why the prisoner prayed for a case of the measles? So he could “break out!”) I don’t know if you could do that in New York City.
No matter if you are in a big city or remain in a small town, I hope you manage to stay on the “Sunny Side.”