We Are A Community: A Concerned Parent's Reflections

We are a community. This event has shown that someone felt disconnected enough from the community to commit such an act, but we as a community can change that for others out there and try to prevent others from feeling ostracized. You and I can do it, in our everyday lives. What about that guy in the corner that barely talks to anyone? Yes, maybe he's a bit strange, but after talking to him maybe you and he may not feel there is much of a difference between one another. I'm as guilty as the next guy for keeping to myself but maybe I should change.

We all live in this great city and the closeness can be uncomfortable at times, toes can get stepped on, but acts of courtesy go a long way. A smile, a thank you, letting others go first. It's a fast paced world and we are all rushing to get somewhere but showing civility begets civility. There will always be others who disrespec and we cannot propagate that behaviour. It's a vicious circle.

With so many people we come across each day it can be easy to just pass them by. Who are the other people in your apartment building? On your block? What do they do? What do they like? You will enrich both your life and theirs by interaction. Imagine you're in a small town and not the big city. Would you act differently? I'm going to start saying hello to more people, introducing myself, starting up a conversation.

As a parent, I have taken this as a reminder to continue to be involved in the lives of my kids and to go the extra mile. Of course knowing your kids and talking to them is self-evident, along with knowing their schools and teachers.