There are these observations I’d like to share, perspectives really. They aren’t meant to direct you to some conclusion the author has intended. They’re just some of the things I’ve seen living in our hometown that cause me to really think about the different levels of life found in our neighborhoods. At each extreme end of poor and wealthy, I’d imagine finding a great deal of detachment from both perspectives.

I’m not an expert on the pains of being a business, home or land owner. I have nothing but third hand information really, never having the opportunity to afford my own house or any of those things. So please don’t think I don’t sympathize with your woes, I just haven’t reached that point in life yet I guess.

On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve had more first hand knowledge. In past years I’d have to admit collecting cans and bottles to make ends meet and going without food for more than a day at a time on a few occasions because we couldn’t. Sometimes it was because we (roommates) were bad with our money and ignorant of our responsibilities, we are young after all.

A lot of the times though you feel the cycle of poverty coming and know the hard times of the month. You hope the car doesn’t suddenly break down or you get sick when the rent comes due because if it does, your whole life as you know it could collapse. In the days of minimum wage and just above, no health care, no support structure, no sick time and no savings. Days many in our hometown still live regularly, some while supporting families – that’s something I’ve never had to do.

Thanks to the role I now work at The Evening Sun I get the opportunity to travel, not just to all the parts of Chenango County, but between all the different levels of income and personalities. This exposure has really helped me develop a broader perspective of things.

Another advantage is I grew up in Oxford and there are a number of friends who moved on to bigger and better things, thank God. Coming from a local high school and staying in the area, I also get to see how some of the less fortunate have turned out. High school is like taking a social sample across all types of lifestyles and as the years move on – you see how the different lives develop. Overall I’d have to honestly say I know more sad tales than good when it comes to a lot of those who stuck around.