A community event

I have never lived in a place where the residents had such a sense of place, such a consciousness of what their community has been, is, and should aspire to. Yesterday, at Eric Siemer's memorial service it was evident once again. Even out-of-towners, who rose to remember Eric, talked of how both he and they loved this place. They often started by marveling at the turn out. The pews in the sanctuary of the Methodist Church were filled to capacity. They had to break out the folding chairs.

The memorial was wonderful. The talented villagers who performed brought tears to our eyes. In a way, it reminded me of the annual Messiah Sing-A-Long – only this time, with harmonicas.

After it was over, the crowd lingered, not only to greet the family, but to mingle with their neighbors. One man, and I apologize for not remembering who it was, remarked to me that this was truly a community event. He could not have been more right.