Hey, Mr. Gary!

So, my childhood was divided almost evenly between two states… two completely opposite geographical locations. Because of this, I grew up learning to navigate the distinct cultural differences between the two places. In Michigan, where I was born, there was a “village” around me that extended a few doors down on either side of my neighborhood street and of course to the members of our church. And there were places of business that we frequented…a local corner store, a bowling alley just across the street. We went and undoubtedly, we were recognized, but I don’t recall ever being known by name. We left Michigan when I was 8 years old and moved to Tennessee. Talk about CULTURE SHOCK!

The city was significantly smaller and it seemed as if EVERYone was related. If you weren’t “kin,” you knew someone who was. Again, a village was built around me…mainly from church, but one thing I distinctly remember is walking into stores and other business and people recognizing my dad and greeting him by name. People from his childhood who were still living in the area and others who simply knew the family name would all greet us and we would often spend far more time in a place than was actually necessary. As a result, by the time I reached young adulthood, I too was known by name… at least my last name. We lived in the country, but no matter how far the houses were from each other, there was still a real sense of community. I remember once when an ambulance had to be called to our home. The Ambulance came and right behind it were cars from a couple of neighbors who had heard the sirens and followed the ambulance because they knew it was on the way to the house of one of the members of the community.

I used to laugh at the “nosiness” of the neighbors, but now that I’m living again in a place where that sort of culture is not prevalent, I miss it. I especially miss it when I realize that my 8 year old son is missing out on parts of what it means to be a contributing member of a community. I want to be able to send him outside go play and know that there are several sets of eyes looking out for him. I want him to walk into places and feel the awesomeness of being recognized and greeted, even as a little person. I don’t think I realized just how much I want that for him until we walked into our local camera store recently, and after only his third visit, he walked in and greeted the store owner by name. “Hey,Mr.Gary!” In truth, I didn’t even remember his name! Gary, and older silver-haired gentleman, seemed equally as surprised and amused by the named greeting as I. In that moment, I was reminded of just how much technology and e-commerce have changed even the most basic of interactions between providers and consumers. In the age of Amazon, and internet shopping, we have lost the beauty of what it is to walk into a local business, greet the owner, and ask for what you need. The local camera store doesn’t always have what I need in stock, BUT, I've committed to doing my absolute best to go there anyway to see if they can order the item, even if I have to wait a few days for it to arrive. At least in that one place, my son will be able to walk in and greet Mr. Gary, by name.. to feel what it is to build a relationship with a local shopkeeper and business owner. Who know’s? Maybe Mr. Gary will learn his soon!