A couple of months ago, David Daniel and I coached a city of Wilson Recreation Department basketball team for boys aged 11-12. The team lacked for nothing except a hearty group to cheer them on. During most of our games we were lucky to have even a couple of supporters while the teams we played had vocal fans numbering in the double digits.
Once the word got out that this little team had only a few fans, five wonderful people came forward to watch our last game. These five yelled, clapped, stood and did about anything they could to spur the team on -- and it worked for a good while. The team, named The Spartans, just like the warriors of old, went down to defeat but only after a valiant try. Even after it was all over, these five stayed and congratulated each one as if they had won the game because, in truth, they had won something far better than a game, they had won their self-esteem and self respect and no defeat could take this from them.
These five were led by our own mayor, Bruce Rose, two clerks from the Clerk of Superior Court's office, Brandy Godwin and Leslie Bunn, and a young couple who work in my office, Luis and Amanda Perez. What wonderful human beings these five are, and why did they really come? Ask them? But the fact that they came and supported a group of children who had very few others to cheer them on really speaks well for our community.
Indeed, Wilson is a fine place to live and, maybe, even an unusual one, thanks to these five and others who care enough to help support children they don't even know. They made these children feel special and, in the end, I think the children made them feel special too. This is what community is all about -- caring for everyone even those we don't really know.
This is Wilson! Can you find this type of caring anywhere else? Probably -- but unfortunately they are few and far between. I am proud to be part of such an unusual community -- so should you.
Charles P. Farris Jr.
West Nash Street