By Sharon Richardson
I recently returned from a 3-week bucket list, westward journey with my 86-year-old dad. It was an incredible bonding opportunity as dad and I have not lived physically close to each other in over 28 years. My mom passed away this past January and my dad knew if he was going to do this it had to be now. It was a 6100 miles driven, 12 hotels lodged in, 17 states visited, and 18 gas tank fill ups whirlwind trip. I challenge most 30 year olds to keep up with my dad! But one thing we were able to really hone in on was the dramatic differences between each city, each state, each culture & each region
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When you are basically in a new locale each day the differences are more pronounced. We are all fortunate to reside in the land of the free but our backgrounds and heritage really shapes each area. I grew up in the south but have lived most of my adult life in the Midwest. And the Midwest has really gotten into my blood. The people are the salt of the earth, hardworking, steadfast & accepting. I know this ole southern girl has been welcomed into the fabric of this community as if I was born and bred here.
Another cool aspect of traveling with my dad was that he does not know a stranger so we met many interesting people and heard their many interesting life stories.
The more I talk to people, the more I check out theatre and recreational opportunities in other places, the more I realize the appeal of where we live.
We have amazing opportunities right here in Kankakee county. The events our small group from Acting Out Theatre Co. have been able to produce couldn’t happen just anywhere. We have a community that truly supports the arts and possesses a desire to create something bigger than ourselves. I believe talented people live everywhere – but I don’t believe a lot of places have the outlets for creativity that our area does. We are fortunate. We are lucky. We are blessed to live where we do. The reenactment of “A Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a truly unique event that has been heartily accepted by our community.
That is why it sells out so rapidly. SO do you have YOUR tickets for this year? TICKETS HERE
If not, you need to get on that task pronto! And be grateful for all the amazing opportunities in our neck of the woods.
My observation is that the scarecrows on the fence would rival any scarecrow display anywhere.
The Sleepy Hollow event would as well.
Every once in a while it is important to step outside everyday life. To be able to understand what a privilege it is to call this place home. To truly appreciate the people and the opportunities each of us have right here and to be astute enough to realize it! Thanks Kankakee County for taking me in as one of your own.