Looking In From Outside on the Stroll
As a fifty-one year old single dad I spend time with my two daughters aged 11 and 12 on weekends. Having just moved to Holliston Thanksgiving week, I picked up a schedule for the town's Holiday Stroll. The Stroll seemed like a perfect way to introduce the girls to my new hometown and a place they were unfamiliar with.
It was downright cold on that Saturday afternoon, and it would be a refreshing day without Ipads, laptops and hardly a cell phone in sight. My daughters' hands were pointing in different directions, one towards a large menorah, the other to a manger scene. I couldn't help but think, that in this town people who believe in different miracles have found a way to respect and be okay with each other's beliefs. I find that very cool and kind of magical.
We sampled everything from the chocolate gummies, candy canes, warm donuts, fried dough to the s'mores served up by local Boy Scouts. One daughter even told me she hoped I made Holliston my home..
A huge thank you to all in Holliston for sharing with us a very rare thing. To date this was possibly the most influential example of small town spirit, culture, and friendliness that my kids have witnessed.
As we parted for home, a stranger asked my daughter if those were gold braces on her teeth? On this day they may as well have been. Thank you, Holliston.
The wonder for me is that the town has been this way for all of the 46 years I have lived here. New people have come and gone, but the spirit lives on. Kids that grew up here go away and then come back to raise their families. What is that spirit, how did it get here, how does it stay? Whatever the reason, I feel grateful. Welcome, David, I hope you and your girls are happy here.
Mary Greendale | 2013-12-31 12:44:58
Welcome to Holliston. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on out great little town
Pat Duffey | 2013-12-31 08:52:03
David: A very well-written piece. Welcome to Holliston. You will find it is an awesome place to live!
Jean | 2013-12-31 07:08:30
Welcome to town, David. I was just thinking this morning about the fact that my kids LOVE growing up here, and know it! It's a very special community. Glad to have you here, and thank you for this nice piece.
Barb Daly | 2013-12-31 06:51:05