Discovery

It is the time of year when our days at Jake’s are filled with new students arriving for their first semester of college and the hospital is hiring new physicians.  As a staff, we enjoy engaging tables in conversation about where they are from and what brings them to our area.  I met a family from San Jose, California last night and several others from the New England area; all arriving early for orientation and giving their student time to settle into their new home.
 
Sometimes we take living here for granted, or worse – focus on our “tough winters” or the remoteness of the place we call home.  It is refreshing to engage those who have discovered us as they view our region a bit differently.  They see the beauty of our rivers, the fresh green vistas that are not cluttered with concrete and steel, the stars and the peace of mind that comes with a safe place that has a slower pace.  They comment on how friendly everyone is because where they come from people are far too busy to greet a stranger. For us it is just what you do.  They value the tremendous education that our regional institutions offer, and the impressive health care provided by our regional hospital.  They come bright eyed, engaged and excited.
 
The few weeks of new  guests arriving and discovering is good for all of us; we step a bit livelier, we work a bit harder to give them the experience they deserve, and we view home a bit differently.
 
If Hannawa Falls, or Potsdam, or Canton, or Massena, or someplace close to Jake’s is home – take a moment to view home from a visitor’s eyes.  It feels pretty good.