It was supposed to be our forever home, but it was not meant to be.
When jobs and other life commitments do not line up, that’s when reevaluation of priorities need to be made.
In our case, we had to make the difficult decision to move from the wonderful town of Payson to a city farther north.
Our stay in Payson may have been just two and a half years, but we made a lifetime of memories and friends.
From day one, we were greeted by friendly neighbors who brought food and other supplies. We felt wanted. Truly wanted.
We are a large family of 11, and we often feel like more of a spectacle to stare at, rather than a worthwhile keepsake.
Not here. Not in Payson.
But it isn’t just the way we were treated by the people in Payson that made our stay so memorable; it’s been the examples of the lives well-lived, and the services endured both in the past and the present.
While here, I met a man who rides his bike up Payson Canyon each day to help him cope with PTSD as a Vietnam War Veteran.
That man smiles and waves at me on my own effort-filled trips up that glorious canyon road.
I have gained a new and lasting appreciation for gardening and of sharing surplus to those in need. Zucchini may grow aplenty, but it will feed in many variations for weeks on end. Take your neighbor’s zucchini plant no matter how big. It’s always worth it.
I’ve gotten to know the creators of the Four Bay trail system up Payson Canyon, and not only have I seen how the trails were created, but I’ve learned why and whom the trails were built for.
Having run and biked hundreds of miles there over the course of my time here, I can attest of the special spirit that is on those trails.
I’ve been the recipient of many high fives and smiles from the wonderful Brandon Baker on my way up to run on the canal trail.
I have listened to stories from parents whose children are now grown.
These stories have given me encouragement that while my time as a parent will not be smooth sailing ever, it will be filled with rewards if I just look for them. It has been these times that I have loved the most.
Payson has been the place of acceptance and love for our family that we won’t soon forget. We may be taking our family out of Payson, but we will never be able to take Payson out of our family.
As I continue to write stories from afar, I look forward to having an insider-outsider view on this wonderful town I will always call home. (Brown is a Serve Daily contributor.)
