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The
Martha's Vineyard Times is a weekly publication.
July 7 - July 14, 2005 Edition
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Edgartown
July 7, 2005
By
Gail Craig - 508-627-3754 - gail@vineyard.net
The Fourth of July holiday weekend has me pondering the question of
when I grew up. At what point did I lose the youthful excitement brought
on by the arrival of summer? Don’t get me wrong: the arrival
of the bright sun, warm weather, and days at the beach still brings
me great happiness, but it isn’t the same as when I was younger.
But when did that change? Did it happen quickly, like the flip of
a switch or did it evolve over time? I can remember how it felt to
go to the beach every day or after-work trips with my dad to “the
raft” that used to be at the Bend in the Road. Even more exciting
were the trips to the bridge or the Oak Bluffs pier to jump off from
higher heights! Later, it was the fun of South Beach or hanging around
downtown, wandering the streets with friends or going to the dock
dances. The arrival of the summer and all the people it brought with
it was the best part of life. The friendships I built with summer
kids were some of the best I’ve had. Now summer just seems to
make everything harder. So, I guess the more important question now
is, how do I get that wonderful summer feeling back? That’s my
goal for this summer — to enjoy summer like I did in the old
days. Anyone want to join me in the quest?
The only genuine news I seem to have this week came from Jack Burton,
who recently heard from his son, Steven, that Jack is now a grandfather!
Maxine Eleanor was born on June 21, and she and mom Carole are doing
well. Steve and his family live in Portland, Oregon where Steve is
an editor at the Business Journal and Carole recently completed her
master’s degree to become an elementary school teacher. It sounds
like they are going to be very busy. Congratulations and best wishes
to everyone.
Because I hadn’t received much news this week, I was beginning
to wonder what I’d write about, but as I drove around the Island
this week, I witnessed a few things that made me want to write a public
plea for courtesy and kindness. One event was in West Tisbury, where
a driver had just hit someone’s pet. I realize this is sometimes
unavoidable, but it is upsetting for everyone involved, nonetheless.
The driver of the car involved did the right thing and stopped at
the scene, for which I want to commend the individual, as that doesn’t
always happen.
On another occasion, while traveling on the West Tisbury Road, the
car in front of us, which was from out of state, was stopped while
the driver was asking a pedestrian for directions. I was shocked when
the driver behind me beeped the horn, virtually before they had even
come to a complete stop.
I’ve noticed a number of other things while driving, such as
disgruntled drivers arguing in parking lots and cars or motorcycles
passing, only to get one car ahead in the same line of traffic and
it all just leaves me a bit dismayed. So, my point with this whole
diatribe is that it’s summer. We all know it’s busy here
and that it takes a long time to get places. Try to plan a little
extra time into your travels. Try to be courteous to others. Try to
remember that some people are visiting our beautiful Island for the
first time and may get lost. Watch out for kids, pets, and visitors
who are unfamiliar with their surroundings. Remember that some people
may be traveling with kids, and that those kids may be throwing tantrums
or distracting the parents. Assume the best when you’re slowed
down by another driver or inconvenienced in some way. Give someone
the right of way sometimes. Let cars out at side streets when the
entire line of traffic ahead of you is at a complete standstill. A
car length or two really isn’t going to get you there that much
sooner. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt. If someone wrongs
you or inconveniences you, assume that they are just having a bad
day. Realize that everyone makes mistakes once in awhile. And realize
that we all have to do this together, Islanders and visitors alike.
Traffic and congestion is the great equalizer here in the summer.
No one deserves more because they live here year-round, or because
they are in a higher income bracket, or because they are on vacation.
We all deserve to be treated with kindness and to treat others with
kindness. Visitors, remember that we live here year-round and it is
sometimes hard for us share. Islanders, remember that it is important
that we do share, as these visitors help support many of us financially.
And remember, deep down, most, if not everyone, is probably a good-hearted
soul. Remember the friendships that we all used to build as kids.
With some kindness and common courtesy, we can probably still do it,
even as adults.
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