It's a very poor town. I'm kind to my neighbors. I help them when they need help; in their gardens or trimming trees or mowing lawns; or rounding up the occasional loose cow or pig. I let them use my pastures. I sometimes feed and water the pet cats, dogs and farm animals who get overlooked when money is tight; which is always.
I engage the neighborhood kids with art projects and fix flat tires on their bikes. I play my music loud and dance with them on my front lawn while playing drums and other percussive instruments like bells and rice eggs. I listen to them and treat them like equals. I talk to them about goals, basic finances and dental hygiene; and college. I let them hide their piggy banks at my house where it's safe. I show them trust. I ask for their opinions. I fix them iced tea. I make them laugh. I tell them they're beautiful, talented and smart. I remember their birthdays. (They're 6 and 7.) I pay them to pick up pine cones and smash cans for recycling. I help them to forget that their father is a disfunctional alcoholic and their mother abandoned them long ago for a life of meth and homelessness.
I go to city council meetings and hold the good ole' boy network's feet to the fire.
I'm not perfect but I'm authentic.
TYY 
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