Keep Your Paved Roads …

Recently, I overheard a conversation during a local civic gathering. The conversation was among several individuals who were new arrivals to the community (most had moved in less than a year ago). They were talking about how much we/they needed paved roads! Instantly, my hackles went up. I mean, I like these people — at least, I want to like them — but they are talking crazy talk.

I should say that my family goes back to 1835 in this community; even if I was born and raised in the big city of Houston, this is my home.

I spent much time during my youth in this community. I roamed my grandparent’s property (the same property that’s been in the family since 1835) picking stuff up, riding dirt bikes, and building barbed wire fences — fun stuff. I spent lots of time running those gravel roads they were talking about paving. Those gravel roads are near and dear to my heart. I learned to drive on those! You can’t and shouldn’t pave paradise.

I know, I know, you are probably thinking, change happens, and this guy needs to get over it, but I don’t like this change! What’s next, a convenience store on the corner and a coffee shop down the road? I mean, really, don’t move to the country and then try to make it the city. That defeats the whole purpose, doesn’t it?

But I’m forced back to reality; I know deep down that this change will take place, and that I’m just being nostalgic for a time that has long passed. So I offer these words of advice for all those planning to move to their little piece of paradise in the country: