I've been introduced to a different kind of community this summer. A community where people are friendly, outgoing, caring, collegial, hospitable, and helpful. A community where people look out for each other and go the extra mile to demonstrate this.
My parents wintered in Arizona for over ten years, all ten in the same mobile home park. I visited there for probably eight of the ten years and came to recognize that the residents operated as a tight-knit community. Although the park was large, my parents knew many of the residents, through picnics, parades, common-interest groups such as golfing, crafting, woodworking, exercise, jewelry-making, book clubs, etc. They became good friends with immediate neighbors and traveled with these other couples. They enjoyed each others' company both inside and outside of the park. They celebrated each others' joys and comforted each other in times of crisis.
My So and I have had many conversations regarding 'wintering' in warmer climes, finding a retirement community somewhere south of the Mason/Dixon line, but, for one reason or another, have decided it is not for us at this time in our lives. We never thought we'd enjoy the close proximity afforded in mobile home parks, which is kind of funny, considering we keep our aqua RV moored at a marina.........and there is nothing closer than one aqua RV to another, while docked!
However, this summer, has demonstrated that a marina can operate as a caring community, much like the theme song from the television show, Cheers, 'where everybody knows my name'.
This is a new experience for us and we are relishing the change of atmosphere. Even though the aqua RV's are so close to each other that you almost reach out and touch one another's ride, you encounter both a sense of privacy, yet experience overtures of friendship.
There is much to be thankful for.
Ancora imparo
