A Letter to My Neighborhood

Dear Neighborhood,
 
I’m writing as I love you. Oh College Hill, you are a neighborhood worth the effort. With old homes, plenty of diversity and ample front porches, thank you for reminding me of why it is important to invest in community and character. 
 
You see, in the last week, the air conditioner broke in our home, which then caused some electrical issues. I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of work needed to repair our issues. I have thought great deal about how a nice new house wouldn’t have an old electrical panel and wouldn’t have the original windows from 1917 that leak air. I think about what it would be like to move far away from the headaches, to let go and not lose so much time and money for updates. 
 
Truth be told, I see this a parallel for our lives. Life isn’t easy; it isn’t always shiny and new. Our lives are filled with trouble and what is old can be (and is often) tossed aside. It’s easier to ignore our problems rather than work through the pain. But we know that to live to our full potential (and see one hundred years of beauty) we must withstand the storms, the times without power, the periods of transition.
 
You see, we can choose to see the good in the broken and the used. We can choose to take the time to invest in ourselves, in our neighbors and in our communities. We can remember that sometimes we are called to undertake the difficult and painful work to rebuild our lives and our homes. It is worth the investment. WE are worth it.
 
So, College Hill, and every other neighborhood out there, thank you. Thank you for the intergenerational Fourth of July street parades, thank you for the neighborhood holiday parties and the quiet comfort of knowing that you matter. Thank you for teaching me and my children that we all important and that there is true beauty in being different. Thanks for giving my family grace and accepting us when half our yard is dead (intentionally) and our fence is falling down. But it is more than this, it is in the goodness of opening our hearts and homes to our neighbors.
 
I know my children will always remember this kindness, even when they move away, so thank you.
 
Love always,
Jess

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Jessica
Jessica is delighted to be home in Wichita after over 10 years away in England, France, Jersey and Lawrence. She now lives in College Hill with her husband, 2 boys, goldendoodle and rescue cat. Jessica’s thrilled to be a part of WMB as she believes in the power of a supportive community to share in life's fun. She must admit that she’s shocked (daily) by the challenges and thrills of motherhood, despite her “preparation” with a master’s degree in developmental psych. Most importantly, Jessica loves wine, family, coffee, friends, tequila, laughing, pretending to exercise and pinterest-ing (not necessarily in that order). She’s a proud professional volunteer and board member; Jessica strives to make the world a better, happier, lighter and funnier place. Jessica started Lives of Courage to inspire and empower others to live their lives with strength and courage everyday. Visit JessicaStong.com to join us in choosing courage.

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