You know St. Johns has been in the news media around the country lately for something that everyone would like to forget. In my opinion it NEVER did a good job of portraying the great little town that I grew up in. So with that being said I wanted to do a post on the St. Johns that I know and love.
As you know from my earlier post that my sister in law Julie's mother passed away. I went over to see Julie on Friday night. They were at the viewing but we stayed at her house and kept Kaitlyn while they were gone. Can I just tell you how amazed I was. In my sister in laws kitchen was flowers...food...cards. I sat in aw at what I saw and thought now this is the small town that I love and miss so dearly. She had so many people come and want to help her during her time of need. She had so much food from cinnamon rolls, soup, pasta salad, enchilada, Pasole and so much more. We were reminiscing and a knock at the door comes. My sister Kirstin answered it and another family came to pay their condolences to Julie and Butch, more hot soup and rolls.
At the funeral there were so many people there from every faith to support the family. I smiled as I saw many teachers and leaders that I had growing up and how influential they were to me. I sat and reflected how much I miss being in a small town. Everyone really is family there. I have yet to see this happen in the city. I really realized how sad I am that I don't live in the slow pace and take time to help others. That when people are being kind and caring they really do care. I was proud to be from St. Johns. It is a great community. While there are those that can't find the appreciation in it that I do, they still cannont deny the way the town pulls together in times of crisis. So take it from me Rachel Foxcroft....what you heard from the news was not the St. Johns that I know and love. I have witnessed a very different town. A town that I am very thankful for and grateful that I was brought up in such a great place and hope that I can pass down the tradition to my own children!
10 comments:
I have wonderful memories of St. Johns visiting my grandparents each year when I was a little girl. St. Johns is a wonderful small town community who love and support each other. I loved going there. That's so sad about Julie's Mom. My heart goes out to her and her family. Glad you went to the funeral, but we sure did miss you and your girls at the lunch get together :(
What a great post. Although I didn't grow up here. I have learned to love this place very much. It truly is a great place to live. I love being here and raising my kids here. I love that other people here love my kids as well. I know that they are always being looked after, even if it's not my eyes that are watching them.
I wish I could have visited with you at the funeral.
you are right, st. johns is a wonderful little town. i am still amazed at all the service doug's family received during the years they were there. what a great sense of community there is there. i know what you mean about living in a small town, i had a hard time adjusting at first, but it really is a great way to raise kids!
St. Johns is such a great place. I agree with Lindsay 100%. =] By the way, I see you got my blog link fixed! Yay!
I love good ol' SJ too! I'm sad my grandparents moved because now there is less reason to go up there. I still want to though! Pretty much all of my favorite memories growing up come from that little town. So sorry to hear about Julie's mom. Their family is in my prayers.
You are so right. I think of anyone that I knew in SJ as my friend now. It is amazing the ties that bind from that small town.
Thank your for your positive reflection of St. Johns. I was raised here and am lucky enough to raise my kids here. Last week when my 16 year old daughter said that when she was married and has kids that she wants to live in St. Johns, I felt like I had succeeded as a mother in one small part. My goal is to teach my children to love and appreciate this wonderful community the same way I do and my parents did before me, (and their parents, and their parents, and so on and so on):)
Rach,
When I didnt know what to say to everyone I appreciate that you sat by me for awhile. Julie really does have great in-laws and we love you! Thanks for your support!
Amen to all that was said. I think the same thought every time I go home. There is just something special about a town that has such deep roots. And is always trying to graft in new ones to grow with it.
Thanks Rach for the post. All I can say is ditto.
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