Editorial Comments

By Katie Shepherd

 

 

            ~It’s official- as of our Ground Breaking ceremony on March 31, 2007- we are now and forever more called “THE HEIGHTS OF JUPITER”. When you think about it, it really does make sense after all when were we ever really located in North Palm Beach??  For that matter how many people (at least initially) even refer to us as North Palm Beach Heights?  “The Heights” – sure – but rarely North Palm Beach Heights.  Even with all the controversy surrounding the possible boundary changes of our elementary school children, the school board (or at least their representatives) has referred to us as Palm Beach Heights. So why not?? Jupiter has been good to us and most of us are proud to say we live in Jupiter. There is no doubt in my mind that for the most part we will continue to be referred to as “The Heights” but isn’t it nice to know that our neighborhood name is finally reflective of the community in which we live. So next time someone ask you where you live you can proudly tell them “The Heights of Jupiter”.

 

            ~For those of you that know me, you know I’m one of those people that like to read something into everything that happens. You know the old cliché “Everything happens for a reason” and yes according to some I really am one of those suckers that actually buys into this philosophy. Alright, so I have to agree that initially most of us do fail to see the possible good in an adverse situation. Something tragic happens and we have to ask “What good could possible come out of this?” However over and over again we see that somehow- something good (more times than not) does occur as a result of an unfortunate incident. When you think about it- it does make sense. After all without the positive to outweigh the negative it would all be for not.

 

            Each of us, at one time or another, has had to deal with a tragic loss, an unfortunate accident, a misunderstood situation or a regrettable event. What makes us all different however is how we choose to face theses situations or what we choose to do with them. Are we passionate enough about our feelings that we are willing to actively seek out a way to make something good come out of theses circumstances? Maybe even preventing others from having to go through the same situation? To make any dream or goal a reality, generally involves such passion, such a love for an individual, community or country that, in the end, anything is possible. While I must admit I have yet to figure out what good could possibly come out of my daughter’s messy bedroom, I am still working on it! J

 

            ~In any case as I once again read my fortune cookie (and yes having to read something into it) I was satisfied with (what I perceived to be) its underlying meaning. “The essential conditions of everything you do must be choice, love and passion” Hmm- lets break this down. OK, so we do make choices everyday. We choose to do our part in our community by making our annual donations; we choose to attend events that keep our neighborhood fun and family orientated. We choose to come out to the monthly meetings so we too have a say in what happens in our neighborhood. We choose to take advantage of the greatly reduced rates in our Heights Service Directory, ensuring that we can continue to enjoy having a neighborhood newspaper. We choose to get involved- not for everything, but at least a few things thus greatly reducing the responsibilities cast on others. OR---------- we choose to sit back and let those around us carry the burden of monthly meetings. We choose to let them worry about keeping our neighborhood safe and beautiful. We choose to let them maintain the family oriented quality we all enjoy, even though their own children are already grown and gone. We choose to let them stress over the finances as they work hard to ensure that our neighborhood continues to be one that others CHOOSE to live in.

 

            Love, one of Webster’s many definitions is “the object of such liking or enthusiasm” the example used stated that “The theater was her great love”. So ok the theater isn’t an issue for us but isn’t it possible that many of the people that constantly come out to help, do so because they LOVE this neighborhood? Just ask Tim or Nancy Gaither- residents since the 80’s why they still do so much for this neighborhood. Or ask June Brown or Kay Hesler why they aren’t just kicked back and enjoying their retirement instead of out helping with the beautification of our neighborhood. How many times in our profiles do the individuals express those exact words? How many of you have told others what a great neighborhood this is to live in? What words would you use to describe our community to a prospective buyer? LOVE- we love living in a community that maintains a quality of life but is void of an HOA! LOVE living in the Heights, Love the way everyone comes together to celebrate holidays, Love knowing others wish they could live here too!

 

            Finally passion, again we can count on Webster to help out here. Passion “a strong fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for something, the object of one's passion”. Passion, when a cause is so important to you that you can’t help but make it a priority. Passion, when you are so consumed with thoughts surrounding a goal or an idea, that you spend countless hours enthusiastically looking for ways to fulfill that passion. Passion- full of fire and enthusiasm- dedicated to the idea or object.

 

            So in summary those that do, hmmm, choose to get involved do so because they are passionate about the community they so dearly love!! How cool is it that the Chinese Restaurant had just the right fortune for me? Hmm, then again maybe it’s time to play their lucky numbers on the lottery ………… 5, 28, 33, 21, 47, 9!

 

            ~I don’t know about you but I love the simpler things in life. The smile of a child, the sound of laughter, the satisfaction of knowing I made a difference. For me it’s those special moments that make everything I do, every moment I live- truly worth while.

 

            ~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.