A sense of community

There’s always a risk when you pick up and move — leaving behind a home, friends and a familiar routine. When we left Utah in August to move to Las Cruces, we knew two of our children and five granddaughters were here. That was enough familiarity to make the move worth the effort.

Still, there was the need to figure things out in our new home. As I’ve had the chance to do that through my work at the Bulletin, I’ve been struck by one of the best things about Las Cruces — its sense of community.

From the farmers’ market to youth soccer games, there is so much to do. But the best part of all, and this may be surprising coming from an introvert like me, is the people. Every place has its share of problems, but for the most part, the people we’ve encountered here have been remarkable.

In just the past few weeks, I’ve watched with awe the poise of the Carnero family as they faced an unthinkable tragedy. To me, Chris and his family are heroic in every way. In the midst of deep sorrow, the community embraced them, and in turn, they lifted those same people, even as they saved lives through organ donation.

I’ve met a young woman with Down syndrome who lives with a constant smile as she serves her friends and neighbors, and another who has endured more hardship than most can imagine but has picked herself up off the canvas to pursue an education and change the world for her children and others.

I’ve been inspired by youth entrepreneurs in the Kids Can program and by fifth graders learning about today’s technology in creative ways. I interviewed a 98-year-old Senior Olympian with whom I couldn’t possibly keep up.

At Centennial High School, I see a young woman chasing her dreams — wrestling, powerlifting and four years of varsity football. She is, in many ways, symbolic of this community. I am continually amazed by the incredible women making a difference all over Las Cruces.

Last week, I had the opportunity to celebrate with the winners of the Las Cruces International Film Festival. I’m not a huge film fan, but I understand the passion that goes into independent filmmaking. It’s not Hollywood, but the love of creating something, and doing it well, is powerful.

That’s what we’re trying to do at the Bulletin. We want to create a newspaper that tells stories reflecting this community. Thank you for the story ideas you’ve already shared. Keep them coming and keep doing the things that make life in Las Cruces a little better every day. There are still many friends and neighbors who need a helping hand.