During a recent visit to family in the Atlanta area, I did some grocery shopping at Kroger. The store was massive and very busy. It was Valentine’s weekend, so there were plenty of men buying flower bouquets. Besides my son and daughter-in-law, I don’t know anyone in town. As I went about my shopping, never expecting to run into anyone I knew, my attention was fully on my shopping list. When I got back to the house, my son and husband told me they were standing right beside me in the store, and I didn’t even notice them. They thought it was very funny. Since they were buying their wives flowers, I let them off the hook about giving me a hard time.

 

It is not like that here in Bridgeport, WV. When I go to the grocery store, I expect to run into people I know and I do, just about every time. Just this week, for instance, I ran into my old friend Jeri Boher as I was entering Price Cutter. We hugged and briefly caught up with each other after which I picked up a few items in the store. On the way out, I saw Mike Rawlinitis and was able to give him a hug to thank him for being such a wonderful neighbor to my parents. We had a brief conversation as we asked about each other’s families.

 

As I got into my car, I thought about how cool it is to live here. Our relatively small town of 9,000 people is home to a tight-knit community; friends, neighbors, and people who work together, serve the same clubs and organizations, and cheer on youth sports together.

 

I can't count the number of times I have run into my sister, my parents, and my next door neighbors, while shopping. Sometimes, a store employee will tell me a member of my family is there. That sure doesn't happen in a big city! 

 

Walking in restaurants, coffee shops, stores, hair and nail salons, spas, and the local dance studio, one is likely to see people they know. That is one of the many great things about living in Bridgeport, WV. I, for one, wouldn’t want it any other way.