5 Years Ago Today...

Today is a bittersweet anniversary.

Five years ago today we arrived here..Had we researched more, I'm sure we would have seriously reconsidered our decision.

This is what I have observed over the last five years...One of the highest unemployment and per capita murders rates in the country, the lowest home prices (translation: you can't make money by investing in real estate), one of the most divisive and volatile political landscapes (See: Jim Traficant, Youngstown Tune-Up), bitterness-anger-hopelessness (Black Monday 1977) and a complete lack of understanding about how to move forward and compete in the global (or even national) economy.

But this is what I also observed...while there is a sense of hopelessness and cynicism, bred by promises made by politicians and selfish business people out to make a fast buck; the people are still fiercely loyal. They will adamantly defend Youngstown when outsiders put her down. They stand by and support their schools, banding together with their fellow alumni to bring spirit and pride to the whole community. And they love their country and have one of the highest voter turn-out rates in the nation.

For better or worse we have made this our home, and while we will always be considered outsiders, we will defend, support, and cheer for the place we have chosen to raise our children.

Besides - today will be 80 degrees, there isn't a cloud in the sky and the maple tree I planted our first spring looks like this...What more could you ask for...