The memory of towns....

I have lived in Smalltown America for about 4 years.

When I first moved here, I was impressed by how friendly everyone was; I was amazed by the acts of kindness that I saw on a daily basis. Don't get me wrong: there are bad apples in every bushel, but in general the apples are good and shiny here.

After a while, one gets used the the rhythm of Smalltown. We lie 90 minutes from the (evil) Big City. Close enough to get to, when one has some break with sanity, but far enough that getting there and back with anything of significance in between comin' and goin' is a day trip.

Living in a place like this, one begins to appreciate that the town is a type of living being. It has it's personality with good days and bad days. It has it's memories, both good and bad. Part of the goodness comes from a strength of having to take care of one's own. In a pinch, the Big City is there, but then again, in a BAD pinch, one might not make it to the Big City.

This evening, storms buffeted Smalltown. A couple of inches of rain came down in an hour. The skies were warm leading to tornadoes and funnel clouds. Twenty years ago, a tornado wiped out a 4 mile path in this town. Although the town has recovered in the intervening years, the memory of that day remains.

Tonight, at about 7:30 pm, there was a report of a funnel cloud. The tornado sirens began their scream. On a clear day, I can hear the siren in town, but usually, if the TV is on, I can't. The Smalltown with a memory knows that. When there is a tornado siren, the storm chasers come out. All the police and firemen hit the roads with sirens blazing. For me, it's a scary thing wondering if the whole town is about to burn. I also wonder if this is REALLY the best place for our police and fire -- out on the road without cover? Still, I somehow feel a sense of pride -- this town protects it's own whenever it can. If the tornado comes, people will be there as soon as is humanly possible.

Tonight, there was no tornado that dared to touch the ground. The town is safe. I love this town and the way it cares, the way it remembers.

Hug your hounds. Be safe.
Peace.