A few days ago, I was sitting in the stands at our grandson’s Little League game. The day’s news was heavy on my mind. I was trying to focus on baseball.
At one point, my attention shifted from the game itself to its setting and context; I asked myself, “What do I see going on here?” I saw a gathering of ethnically diverse, intergenerational families outdoors at a local park on a spring evening watching children play a game. People were cheering for their own team, and for players on the other team who made a good play. Toddlers were meandering near the snack bar and then petting dogs who welcomed the attention. I was reminded the league is entirely run by parent volunteers.
What did I see? I saw a community gathered to nurture children and enjoy simple pleasures, respecting the sport and each other.
I decided to observe other events in my neighborhood.
I rode my bike to a local fruit stand which is in the middle of several farms a mile and a half from my home. There is no attendant present – prices are handwritten on a whiteboard, and you put money through a slot in the payment box. I bought some fresh romaine lettuce, carrots that still had earth on them and the first strawberries of the season.
What did I see? I saw the goodness of the earth, the rewards of farming, and people trusting their neighbors.
Every afternoon between 4 and 5 our mailman makes his deliveries on our street. Many of us know him by name, and he knows us. Sometimes I see him in the morning on a nearby street; as he goes by, he’ll lean out of his truck and say, “Got a package for you – I’ll be dropping off soon!” In our conversations, I’ve learned he’s putting four kids through school — two are in high school and two in college. He’s proud of how hard they are working and their future plans.
What do I see? I see a dedicated federal government employee and public servant. I see our country is still a land of opportunity.
From my office window, I often observe two older women taking a walk. One is a widow who lives by herself. Her friend checks on her every day and they walk together.
What do I see? I see people caring for each another.
One of my current volunteer activities is helping raise $26 million to support the expansion and upgrades for our local neighborhood medical and dental clinics. In our brochures, we state our core belief: “Every person in Santa Barbara deserves compassionate, quality healthcare regardless of income or background.”
What do I see? I see grassroots America in action.
My wife recently got a message from a parent whose son had been in her first-grade class. The family has always been grateful for her teaching. They were inviting us to a production of “Mama Mia” at the local high school in which their son had a leading part. We went. It was terrific. I wondered: where do these forty teenagers get this talent, commitment, and love of theater? And when did “Dancing Queen” ever sound so good?
What did I see? I saw a public school where dedicated teachers and young people are sharing the joys of music, drama, discipline and teamwork.
This weekend we will be attending a Celebration of Life for one of our neighbors, who died at age 86. She worked as an aid with special needs kids in the local school for many years. She lived on a cul-de-sac, and every Halloween, adjacent households joined forces with her for trick-or-treating. Her garage door was wide open, and tables were set on her driveway with a steady supply of candy and water bottles. Over the years, her house became a destination for kids and families near and far; hundreds showed up.
What did I see? I saw people celebrating a holiday by welcoming strangers with open arms.
What I learn from the news can fill me with despair. But when I go out and see everyday people living their lives, I see hard work, kindness, fairness, mutual respect and hope for the future. I think to myself, “This is what makes America great.”
Local Goleta Farms
Steve Jacobsen, Ed.D 