My Life In The Slow Lane…

Robert Pirsig said “Where the people are the most crowded…where the loneliness is the greatest.” I totally agree with that. I had lived in Bangkok, the city of Thailand for many years. All those years, I was surrounded by thousands of people, but knew almost none. Sometimes I asked myself, when was the last time that I shared a healthy conversation with friends and neighbors? How well did I know people surrounding me? I encountered neighbors almost everyday, but did I even know their names? Did I even consider offering them a friendly smile? Never!!

I was somewhat tired of the congestion… In big cities people always run against the clock. Now I have been away from the big city for several years. I finally stopped running against the clock. I now realize that all too often, we take our lives for granted, and we fail to make personal connections with those around us. I learned the lesson of being neighborly when I moved to the US. I am now spending my life in the cozy, rural ambiance of Logan County, Ohio.

While much of the world is still caught up in the fast lane of everyday life, I have discovered the joys of life amidst great neighbors here in a small town in Ohio. I totally traded my loneliness of a crowded in Bangkok for a rural community with a few friendly neighbors.

When I first came, I had no idea that these neighbors would become my friends. Kip plows our driveway when it snows; Matt and Brenda give us loads of firewood when we have none. We also lend each other a hand when one needs it most. Lori and I love to share conversations when we have time. Sharon and Jerry my in-laws have been so wonderful to me; they make a house be more like a home. They accept me for who I am, I don’t have to pretend when they are around. I always have a blast every time I meet with Randy and Penny; they are so kind and really fun to spend some time with. In Thailand, I was a “city slicker”, but today I am so happy in Baan Nok (บ้านนอก) way. And I wouldn’t change it for the world!!!