It's My Town ... and I'll Like It If I Want To
Posted July 06, 2011
When I think about Meridian I think of my family, my friends, my co-workers… People I care about, and who care about me. I think of traveling down Poplar Springs Drive and loving all of the trees surrounding the street, or the beautiful buildings downtown. I think of when a family member or close friend has died and the fact that everyone who has ever known you (or so it seems) has come to show their support and bring food (the Southern way of showing love). I think of how many people I know who only lock their doors at night. Having all of this surround me, I cannot imagine living anywhere else.
Now don’t get me wrong, I have lived in Baton Rouge, Atlanta, Northern California, Starkville and Oxford and loved things about all of those cities. However, I would not trade the comfort of what I truly call home for anything. The thing is, I don’t believe you have to be born here to get this same feeling. I think we’re a truly caring community, and we look out for one another. As much as I LOVE New York and (sort of) like Atlanta, I don’t think you could ever get that there. I guess the current trade off is that we are still a growing area and may not have all of the amenities of a big city. The good news is that we always have the ability to grow and prosper, but I don’t know that you could just create the sense of community that already exists.
I’m bringing all of this up because I don’t understand why people have a negative perception of Meridian. What’s so bad about it? I hear a lot, “there’s nothing to do here”. Well… Go out and make your own fun. Create the next big event or just have a backyard barbeque. I think fun is a relative term and everyone needs to know how to create their own. I have gotten involved with Meridian Mardi Gras, the 59Twenty Music Festival and other events because I want to help Meridian grow and offer events that we all want to attend. There is a bounty of organizations and events in need of volunteers. I know that the Targets and the Bass Pro Shops will come in time, but right now, I enjoy all the great things we do have. Places like the MSU Riley Center and Bonita Lakes… Things no other place can offer except Meridian.
So here’s the question… What would you be doing today if you had all of the options of New York City? I’m willing to guess that about 98% would have the exact same day as they do now. A lot of people complain about Meridian just because they can, but I, and many others, don’t agree with the bad rap they're giving our town. Just a thought.
This is my way of speaking a little louder than the naysayers. I have pride in my community because I feel like my it is my family… How do you feel?
Meredith Rea
mrea@embdc.org
Tagged: blog