"My Home is Not a Place, it is People." Lois McMaster

The author, Lois McMaster, said, "My home is not a place, it is people." She was accurate in her description of the most important ingredient that makes a town a desirable place to live. We Statesville folks are fortunate to be able to call Statesville home. And it's all because of the exceptional people who reside here.

I moved to Statesville, N.C. twenty-four years ago. When making a major move, one wants to be able to blend in, to make friends, and to feel a part of a new community. Apprehension is a natural emotion when changing environments, especially when leaving behind a foundation of beautiful friendships.

However, upon moving here, I was astounded by how easy it was to penetrate this community. It had the feel of a warm welcome mat from the moment I began meeting people. I had only been here a few short weeks when I called my mother to tell her that the people in Statesville were among the nicest I'd ever known. Still to this day, I am impressed by the community's accepting, accommodating, and supportive people.

I am continually reminded of the generosity of the people who live here. My feelings have been confirmed for me recently all because of an invitation to do impromptu book signings in a most unusual setting. But it has also become one of the most rewarding. It has been an opportunity that has confirmed for me the beauty of our town and its caring people.
I got a call from, Pam, the manager of the new contract Post Office. She had great plans for turning it into a Post Office/Gift Shop. It is where people can combine the necessary stop for buying stamps and turning it into an unexpected opportunity to buy gifts. As I sat at my table day after day, I have been ever more convinced of how fortunate we are to live in a town such as Statesville.

There are many times when people walk in and say, "Oh, sorry, I thought this was a Post Office." We would always say, "It's not your typical Post Office. Come on in!" The reputation of the Post Office has spread and it has grown far beyond the initial Post Office/Gift Shop. It has made its way into the zone of being a Post Office/Gift Shop/ haven/respite/coffee-doughnut eatery/social gathering retreat and on and on --

We have become privy to the "goings on" in people's lives on a day to day basis. We have been ushered into the world of people's excited emotions, as we get to hear about family celebrations and reunions, along with hearing about the events and milestones in their lives.

We have also heard and have felt great empathy for the folks who are having difficult trials. Some have had loved ones in the hospital and are just living day to day in hopes of their recovery. Pam keeps a prayer journal behind the counter and writes down prayer requests of all kinds. We also started a Guestbook for the Living. It struck us that it is unfortunate that people write kind notes in guest books after people have died. It seems a bit too late. We thought that it made sense to have a book where people can write notes of thanks and genuine appreciation for their friends and family while they're alive to hear it. We call the people to let them know that a note is waiting for them to make their day.

I have met many people who have chosen to move from other areas to retire here. They have also expressed how struck they have been with how friendly the town is and what a wise choice it was to move here. I wholeheartedly agree. And so the tradition of friendliness and comfort that Statesville provides continues --

"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.
Home, home, sweet, sweet home!"
John Howard Payne