As I watched the snow fall I also saw the children in our neighborhood heading for the park to do some downhill sledding. Then when the snow began to melt I saw two young boys riding their razor scooters down the sidewalk and pausing to break the ice in the street using their scooters.

Most of the time as it snowed I was snuggled up in front of my fireplace reading some books or quilting. There’s nothing quite like a warm fire chattering at me as it’s snowing outside.

Watching the children play reminded me of the days when the kids I grew up with in my neighborhood would get together on the cold, wintry Saturday afternoons.

We would head for the vacant lot, shovel out a wide area and build a fire in the middle of it. Once the fire got hot enough we would pack our potatoes in mud and place them in the hot coals. While our potatoes cooked we would choose up sides and play games; everything from kick-ball, hide-n-go seek, hopscotch, red rover, to kick-the-can.

It seemed to take those potatoes forever to cook, but they sure were good when they finally baked through.

We gathered around the fire and sat on tree stumps or rocks … whatever was available. If it was really damp and cold some of us ran home and grabbed a blanket or two to throw around us while sitting by the fire.

We felt like pioneers. It would take us all day to finish our playing and eating. Then we would make sure the fire was doused and head to our homes totally exhausted.

Winter is a good time to reminisce about the good ol’ days. And, they were just that. Good Ol’ Days. We would spend hours outside running, riding our bicycles, playing games; just being kids. We didn’t have entertainment, we were our entertainment.

Recently I have been attending several of the local schools’ basketball games. These kids play their hearts out and they play to win. I’ve noticed how they encourage one another both on and of the court during the games.

They weren’t much of a team when they started the season, but they have quickly learned to play together and pay attention to the action around them. It’s amazing what they have accomplished.

Thinking back, I realize all of the kids in my neighborhood were part of the future of this country. So it is today. When I see the children who are involved in their school and community activities I marvel at the strength and character they show through their actions. In talking with many of them they tell me they enjoy doing for others; they like being able to make a difference whether it’s at home, in school or in the community.

They have discovered that love requires action. This gives me great hope for the future of our country. That’s what community is all about: Neighbors helping neighbors; communities sharing, becoming involved in helping and supporting one another. There are many opportunities; you just need to have the desire to find them.

Get in the game and find a way to volunteer and make a difference wherever you go.