Editorial Comments

By Katie Shepherd

 

 

            ~Last night I had the pleasure of attending my nieces wedding. It was a beautiful yet simple ceremony held outside, in a park, in Sewalls Point. We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather and truly the “Gods that be” were watching over Crystal on her special day. Some hundred and fifty guest shared in her precious moment and while it was a typical wedding with all the basic frills, they choose to forego a lot of the additional pomp and circumstance, and instead hold an event that allowed guest to relax and enjoy themselves. Relax they did as Crystal was one of the lucky radio winners that won a prize in last year’s Wedding or No Wedding competition. Having missed out on the top prize of an all expenses paid $25,000 wedding, they got what they (especially the groom) felt was the next best prize- An open bar---- paid in full!! Needless to say (be it good time or hangover- of course there are some that think this is one in the same!) this was a reception that many a guest will not forget anytime soon!! J

            The minister that oversaw the ceremony touched many hearts as well. His ceremony was loving, tender and it reminded each of us of the true value of a lifelong and loving relationship. He also expressed a more accurate meaning behind the joining of two people; that being the inner mingling of friends, family and various relationships. He reminded each of them, that as they joined into one another, that neither one of them was expected to give up who they were for the other person; instead they were to blend their lives into one another. Each person accepting the other for the person as they are, both good and bad, including their friends and families. Pleasing your spouse does not mean losing your individuality. At the end of the ceremony, instead of the traditional candle lighting, he shared three vases. Two vases had sand in them while the middle one stood empty. Where most weddings I’ve attended (including my own) had the couples take the two lit candles and turn them into one- instead he had them each pour the sand from their vase into the middle one. He explained to them (and the audience) that each granular of sand represented the friends, family, jobs and hobbies of that individual. By joining their sand they were accepting each other exactly as they are. Appropriately he also pointed out that inevitably some sand always falls out and that was good too. For with each person comes a little baggage and that sand spelt represented our willingness to leave that baggage behind.

            I love analogies and there is no denying this one was very fitting. Hmm- Sand- mingling friends, family, etc. Doesn’t each of us do just that as we move in and out of new neighborhoods? While granted the markets downturn has brought with it fewer turnovers, the fact still remains that the neighbors that live close to us are most likely not the neighbors that were there five years ago. So what have each of us done to intermingle with those around us? What steps have we taken to make this new marriage work? I’m not suggesting that you have the “in-laws” over for dinner every Friday night but I am pointing out (yes once again) that unless we take the time to reach out, to be a part of our neighborhood we lose the right to object when things don’t go our way. Keep in mind however, that like any marriage, this burden or responsibility falls on both parties. Older neighbors need to welcome the new ones and newer residents need to make the attempt to introduce their selves and get involved. The blending of the sand makes for a stronger union.

            Thanks to our activities director the opportunity to intermingle and meet new friends is there for the taking. With a wealth of activities planned throughout the year there is bound to be something for everyone. The plans however don’t stop there. Committee members realize that all age groups need to be considered and are working diligently to ensure that even more age specific activities are added to the mix. We welcome new and old residents to get involved. Come out to the meetings or contact one of the board members to see how you might add your support to one of the upcoming events. Thanks to Executive Lawn Care for offering to remove, house and replant any shrubbery currently in the way of our sign project. While this may be a small sacrifice to a lawn company it is giant weight off the backs of those involved in this project. If each of us took time to put forth our talents and skills there would be no end to the goals we could accomplish!

            ~Flyers will soon be distributed asking each homeowner to once again make an annual donation of at least $100.00, to our beautification projects. Since we are a nonprofit organization this donation is tax deductible and is a small price to pay to live in a community that strives to keep their appearances visually appealing without the monthly burdens of HOA fees. Whether you pay your $100.00 in one lump sum or divide it up to $25.00 a quarter- the money you contribute helps to ensure that these beautification projects continue and that we can all benefit from living in a neighborhood that we not only enjoy, but are proud of as well.

            ~This past month brought with it many family moments. Our nephew announced he’s getting married next February, a goddaughter shared that she is expecting her first child; and my first born son had his 30^th birthday! Moments to remember ~ Moments to hold dear. While true, it is hard to believe that I could possibly have given birth to a baby 30 years ago (God knows that makes me feel old!) I love the fact that what matters most to me– friends and family- are still the things I hold so dear. Anyone that knows me knows how important my children are to me and how proud I am of each and every one of them. The fact that they are all healthy, happy and doing well, is truly my blessing.

            ~Truth be told however, I’d like to think that I am just as dedicated to my job and my community. Unless we are willing to water and nurture those things that are important to us we cannot ensure that they will continue to grow as we move forward. Each month I submerse myself in getting this paper to print. No easy task, it involves some 20 to 30 hours each month. Add to that the number of meetings I attend and I think it’s safe to say that I do my fair share in this neighborhood. Let’s remember however, that doing our part goes well beyond that project that directly impacts us. It’s easy to get involved when it’s our project or our goal but what are we doing once that specific need has been satisfied? As a group we are strong- we have a voice and the Town of Jupiter will listen. We proved that with the changes in set backs and we can continue to accomplish big things as long as we continue to work together.

            ~Family first, always, but remember our families lives and their future are only as good as the community they live in. Take time to do your part. Let’s all help ensure that we have a neighborhood filled with good memories, a feeling of safety and friends that last a lifetime.

~Till next month, I once again challenge you to get involved, be kind to a neighbor, and most of all - I wish each of you a life filled with health, happiness, good fortune and peace.

 

 

To send your submissions, responses or request- email NPBHeights@bellsouth.net.