By Nellie Curtiss …
If you could design the world, what kind of world would it be?
Having had a shotgun held on me once while I fed my baby, I would want a world where violence was replaced with moms and dads who set a holiday table and build dinners with peas, potatoes, carrots, and Boca Burgers. Conversations at the table would be about planning family picnics at Carter Lake, discovering the Alaskan Wilderness, and laughing out loud over the dripping watermelon popsicle at the graduation party.
I think I would create a world where puppies and kittens were never abandoned, where they were safe and loved and cared for by the humans in their lives, where no cat endured the inhumane declawing. All the animals would be protected from disease and cancerous growths through Trap-Neuter-Release. When they were adopted, they grew into canine and feline companions for the princes and princesses in their hearts. I would create a world where all rescues had homes like Dumb Friends League of the SLV makes possible and like the veterinarians who donate their time for spaying and neutering clinics do.
I want a world where neighborhoods look out for the single moms, widows, and senior citizens on their street when help is needed to unload groceries or maneuver rakes for yard upkeep. It would be so nice to have a teenager ask to mow the neglected grass or plant morning glories and lupines in a tub. For years now, Christian Community Services Project has been providing help for home repairs to participants.
In the days of the pandemic, curbside and home delivery has been so essential; and I wish that all the businesses, restaurants, and grocery stores could do this. As a differently abled senior, I am always laden with a bulky oxygen backpack so clutching takeout is a disaster about to burst. Having customer service such as delivery and curbside has been so helpful during these pandemonium pandemic times. I called a steak house for delivery the other day and was saddened to learn that delivery is not possible. Pizza Hut and China Garden deliver, though. Walmart and some grocery stores in Alamosa provide curbside pickup. I can enthusiastically say, “Thank goodness for that kindness!”
I want a world where children walking to classes are safe; so, parents and aunties don’t worry. I want a world where everyone looks out for others and offering a hand is the norm. I want a world where kindness is the main characteristic and children learn the art of giving early and often. I want a world awash in kindness.
Columns by nellie 