Amsterdam- A city capable of blooming right where its planted

Today I was dreading getting out of bed. I knew that this storm had done a good job at completely blanketing my driveway and sidewalks. I was also sure the plow would have successfully completed his plot to block my driveway and the driveways of my neighbors.   As you can imagine, trying to juggle snow clearing while having small children is challenging.  Did I really want to get them all ready and try to shovel with a 13 month old on my back.  To my surprise, when I finally made it out to the  front window to see what would surely be the death of me, a man was out snow-blowing my driveway and sidewalk.  What a nice act of kindness- which by the way has happened every single big storm since I moved here in 2008.

The more I thought about this man’s generosity, I couldn’t help but to think about the reputation that Amsterdam has.  Amsterdam is the only place I have ever lived where I have experienced such an act of kindness where nothing was due in return.  Sure Amsterdam has its rough areas.  It is disheartening to see any of the vacant warehouses and run down homes.  But what we tend to miss is the positive things that are happening.   I read recently that the plant life that are effected by the most wildfires in California replenish only due to the destruction from the fire.  Apparently the seeds lay dormant until the heat of the fire offers the best conditions for germination.  After what appears to be devastation ends up being the catalyst for new growth.

For all the people that say Amsterdam is so sad and depressed, I say let’s look at all the big businesses that decided to come to our area in the last few years. Target, Beech-Nut and several other new businesses.  To me, new growth is a great sign.  Like the plant life in California, Amsterdam is showing signs of new growth  after being effected to the perils of an economical tailspin by blooming right where it is planted.  A valuable lesson for all of us to learn.

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