Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

When I first moved to this 3-acre community there were only a few neighbors. We were spread out so far apart, that gatherings only happened when there were new arrivals. Some years, we had lots of gatherings so we could all introduce ourselves to our new neighbors.

There has only been two years in which we didn’t have any gatherings. I always think back on those years fondly and wish for many more like them. Not that I’m being selfish and wanting to keep this great community all to myself, just it is nice when we don’t grow.

We have had whole families move in at once. We always take special care when we get families. They seem to have a harder time adjusting to this new way of life. They were usually so rushed before they got here they have to learn to enjoy the slower pace.

Mostly, we just have singles that arrive. We are more geared towards the older generation, but younger people are always welcomed with open arms. When it is only one child, it makes us all sad. We never like when that happens, but the child is never lonely. We make play dates all the time.

I came first and got our home all set up, my wife ended up coming about 5 years later. It was the 2nd happiest day of my life. The first was when we got married. I was so glad to see her after all those years.

She is now on the welcoming committee, and she shows everyone around. The place sure has changed over the years. Now there are houses everywhere you look, and new places being built all the time. We may have to expand because no one ever leaves once they have settled here.

It is always great when a loved one you haven’t seen in years finally arrives. I especially love to see the excitement on the kids’ faces when their parents arrive. Usually, it has been a long time in the making, but you can feel the love as they embrace. Lots of catching up to do, but they have all of eternity to do it.

— Nicole Barden 4/16/2021

Originally published in Illumination on Medium