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Tuesday, March 07, 2006


I grew up in Mayberry.















Don't get me wrong.




Every child in the country deserves the same.



Janet said...

I grew up in "Mayberry" too, Larry. Funny thing is, I think the reason I enjoy living in the inner-city so much is because it's "Mayberry" as well. Sure, the addicts around me and their addictions lead them to steal every so often. And, yes, the struggles of poverty and lack of education lead people to make fatal choices at times. But, just as you experienced in your Mayberry and I did in mine, people in my South Dallas neighborhood wave at me when I come home in the evening. They tell me when someone they didn't recognize knocks at my door while I'm not home. They offer their lawn mower or leaf blower when mine has been stolen or doesn't work. They know me even when I don't know they know me.

I attended Priscilla's funeral yesterday and realized how much Central Dallas creates "Mayberry" and brings loving, generous, kind people together. And people like Priscilla (who are often disregarded in our society because of her rough exterior) bond with people like Lloyd (a former con and addict who was changed by Priscilla...even he'll tell you that!), which results in a bigger which they take with them and re-create when they move on.

I pray that we never become about "programs" around CDM. "Programs" aren't what change people. People change people. I think the regulars at CDM already know that.

Sometimes what I notice the bigger challenge is, is convincing the people outside of the urban areas that we have Mayberry right here...and they're welcome to *join* (which is more than a visit). *Then* we may be able to truly create a Mayberry all across the city.

Anonymous said...

You're in the second row from the top, second from the left.

Anonymous said...

I agree with anonymous. The eyebrows give you away!

MarkS said...

I'll go out on a limb and say you're the skinny kid on the front row, #33.

I'll miss Barney Fife!

[rhymes with kerouac] said...

Yup, my money's on #33 too!

Larry James said...

Second row from the top, second from the left. Number 33 is Barry Carnahan. He was a good friend and something else indeed!

Raintree said...

I grew up in a Mayberry of sorts- although it wasn't my home town, but my home church that created Mayberry for me. In fact, our home town was never what I would term a "friendly" town- but our church was our life. There was a large mix of people- rich, poor, white, hispanic, old and young. We were in church every week, I attended the church school from preschool through eighth grade, and participated in our churchs scouting group- Pathfinders. My family no longer lives in Greeley, CO- but going back to visit is like a family reunion.
Now I live in a small Nebraska town with my husband and our three small boys- there is a strong sense of community here within our village- everything centers around the two churchs and our small public school three blocks away- everyone knows everyone else- how could you not in a town of only 200? People are helpful and friendly. Our neighbor has fixed our car more often than I would care to admit- for free- and another neighbor and I trade baby-sitting each other's kiddo's.
I think what it comes down to- what everyone is looking for is !- a sense of community- of connectedness to one's neighbors and 2- rest. Slowing down- stopping the frantic pace of life, and being able to rely on one's neighbors to help in a time of need. And of course, both of those things can be found anywhere- whether it is the inner city, or a small town. It comes down to you and me, and deciding to quietly make a difference in our lives- and extending that to others.

Larry James said...

Raintree, I believe you are exactly right. Thanks for sharing!