This Side of the Creek

Myself (left) and our Times-Gazette intern, Jessica passing out programs.

The newspaper at which I work, The Times-Gazette, recently hosted a mayoral candidate debate and I had a front-row seat for the big event. With additional camera crews on the scene, I listened intently while writing notes as quickly as possible, taking pictures and recording video.

On the drive home I called Bob and he asked my opinion on how the debate had gone. I told him that what I had gained the most was not so much the information regarding which candidate I would vote for (if I still had a Hillsboro address) but what a truly wonderful community Hillsboro is.

Mayoral candidates debated hot topics Tuesday in Hillsboro, Ohio.

I grew up in Hillsboro, lived there until last April, and still continue to work inside city limits. I’m excited about the upcoming elections and am even more excited to know that the place I have lived much of my life is deemed by residents as one of the greatest cities in the country.

Sure, Hillsboro has its issues, just as any city does, but I do believe that when it comes down to the heart of a matter, neighbors always lend a hand. I’ve seen it, experienced it and written about it.

When I was a child we moved a lot. When I say a lot, I mean A LOT. I was used to the changes of scenery and used to the fact that life never remains steady. Things happen and we must adjust accordingly. I will miss my home if/when I leave, but I know that no matter what, I can come back, expect a handshake and a smile and feel loved among the people who made Hillsboro what it is and what it isn’t today.

So, what happens when life calls us to a different geographical location and all of a sudden we’re thinking that the place we always wanted to run from is the exact place where true comfort is felt? The place we swore we’d never return to is the place where the presence of God, community, and much more is felt?

I’ve been thinking about this since Tuesday’s debate and wondering how it will be if/when I move to the city to be near my boyfriend. I would never ask him to move this way because I’m the one who is restless. He has his roots in Kentucky/Cincinnati and his parents are older. Travel would just be easier for myself and my side of the family. I think that my heart will always be in Hillsboro, despite any and all negative I’ve heard about the city my whole life.

When we relocate, however, we have a chance to bring that bit of community that we know to a city where holding the door for a stranger provokes the question, “What are you doing???”

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