Small-Town Fourth

The first two weeks living in a small town were a shock to my system. There was absolutely no place to shop. We were two hours from civilization. We were two days from family. It was culture shock. I eventually adjusted to the differences. When we came to our first 4th of July I was introduced to a small-town parade.

I often comment that living here in Alamosa is similar to going back in time about 20 years. That is very true for our celebrations. Our parade isn't very long, but it is a lot of fun. The participants throw candy to the children, they shoot guns off,

there are plenty of tractors and horses,

signs on the floats are miss-spelled,

and best of all, you know half of the people in the parade.

Andrew and Connor got to march with the cub scouts in the parade. They had a fun time and still got some candy at the end. One of their scout leaders also happens to be our nurse.

She has given Andrew appoximately 468 shots since we have moved here. We fasted and prayed for her through her chemotherapy and radiation after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has helped us through many illnesses, including Danielle's most recent mosquito bite on her eye.

In small towns, people are there for each other in a way that I hadn't previously experienced.

We had a great day at the parade, invited 8 families to our house for a bar-be-que and then ended at the fireworks which were paid for by a local bank and offered much excitement in starting a few little fires and nearly setting a couple of residents on fire.

Speaking of our small town, the City Hall/Library complex is coming right along. It will be beautiful when it is done.

The fire station is nearly done on the end of the current city hall. Once the new building is finished the current city hall will be remodeled into a new Police Station.

This project has been so challenging but will be so good ultimately for our community. Nathan has worked so hard, since we moved here, and I think he does an amazing job.


Small-town life can be challenging in many ways, especially when you aren't from that small town. Still, I am impressed by the tenacity of a people who live and work in such a brutal climate. I love being exposed to an agricultural lifestyle and the faith that comes with it. I admire the generations who came and stayed to build this community. Most of all, I like feeling a part of a small community.