Small Town News

Thankful for life in Central Linn...

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Every once in awhile I remember why I am thankful for living in Brownsville and the Central Linn community. Catwoman and I moved here 20 years ago in June 1990. We moved here because we wanted to live in a small community, where people are mostly friendly, and where one is not lost in the crowd.

Over the years we have made many friends, found a wonderful church home at the Brownsville Christian Church, and started a third career as newspaper publishers of The Times.

If one will make the effort, there are many activities to keep one busy with volunteering at Sharing Hands, Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, the Brownsville Library, Pioneer Picnic, Carriage Me Back, Central Linn Schools, Stand By Me, Willamette Country Music Festival, the Museum, and many others. No one needs to be bored or lonely, if an effort is made to take part in the community. Our towns of Brownsville, Halsey and Shedd are small and community oriented. One can walked down the street and say hello to a neighbor, friend, or acquaintance. After a year or two, it is difficult to walk a block without getting into a conversation with someone. Or a political argument. We have friends who are conservative, and others who are liberal. The key word is friends. This is what a community should be The Chamber of Commerce has developed the byline, "Historic Brownsville Welcomes You Home". That message conveys not only a welcoming community, but a historic town that has so many interesting features.

I am nearing the end of a two-month radiation treatment program at Corvallis Samaritan Cancer Center. After having my prostate removed almost two years ago, PSA test continued to show a slight cancer threat. So radiation is apparently the answer. Driving daily to Corvallis through this wonderful valley is a daily reminder of the beauty of the central valley and another benefit from settling here years ago. I really enjoy the beauty of this valley even though I make the trip daily. I really don't get tired of it; Brownsville to Shedd, Fayetteville Drive, Green Valley Road, Peoria Road, etc. It is a reminder to keep my eyes open to the beauty that surrounds us all.

Recently we have lost friends and loved ones. In last week's issue is the obituary of Maria Bowman. She was a good friend. Then today, I got the news of a high school buddy who died of cancer. The sadness is bittersweet. I am sad to lose these friends arid the memories keep coming back to me of good times with them. I pray they are in heaven and that I get there also one of these days.

So I am thankful to be alive. It seems that most of us are so busy with daily living, the rush of daily activities, that each day is often lost to us. I am resolved to enjoy today, this minute, this cup of coffee, this friendship, this trip through the valley, this grandchild's temper tantrum, this hug from a loved one, and the beauty of the music and the message that I get in my church pew on Sunday.

I can decide to live and enjoy life fully. I am doing that. How about joining me living each day to the fullest, draining the last dregs of enjoyment and beauty from it? Even in hard times, and maybe especially in hard times, daily life can be good. Just open your eyes and your mind. .. dw



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© 2010 The Times Brownsville, Oregon. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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