Small Town Magic

Lori Oliver-Tierney

I LIVE IN A LITTLE TOWN, and sometimes I question why we continue to struggle on our 5 acres. We have been ravaged by fire and catastrophic storms, and my husband suffered a cardiac arrest — all in the last three years. But my h

love it here.

Driving home after watching my grandkids in the big city. I couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief after the congestion and noise. My town was lit up and twinkling like a small diamond.

I stopped at the only pizza place in town to surprise my hubby with our favorite pie. I was offered the local discount and was ready to leave when from behind the counter a man came over and reached for my hand.

“You were my preschool teacher and I’m 47 years old now. I’ve been in and out of jail but want you to know I’ve finally got myself together. As young as I was, I remember you told me you loved me and that I could be whatever I wanted to be. I’ve decided to be a good person. Thanks for making a difference in my life.”

I don’t know if he will ever realize what those words meant to me. I believe at our age it means the world to know we’ve made a difference, and believe me, you all have. You might not have a chance to hear it, but we have all done things that matter.

If that wasn’t enough of a miracle, I came home to flowers from my hubby. That is NOT his norm. His love language is fixing things. I was so happy and allowed myself to be happy. It’s sometimes hard these days with all the world’s sadness.

However you live your life, please remember LOVE. For it is what will save us.