Kindness, courtesy matter

When we moved to Auburn in 1980, it felt like a small town. Downtown Roseville was just a few blocks long, and there were no sprawling housing developments in sight. People smiled, greeted each other warmly, and drivers were generally courteous. It felt safe. It felt like home. We left the Bay Area hoping to escape the crowds, the traffic, the noise and, frankly, the stress of city life. Auburn offered something different. But as the years have gone by, the entire region has grown rapidly, bringing with it all the challenges that come with that kind of expansion. Moving again isn't really an option for us at this stage. And trying to stop growth? Well, that ship has sailed. People are discovering what we've known for decades – this is a beautiful place to live. So what can we do? Maybe it starts with something simple: remembering how we treat each other. Kindness and courtesy used to be second nature around here. And while they're still very much alive, they can sometimes get drowned out in the busyness of modern life. But small gestures – waving someone through at a stop sign, letting a car merge, offering a smile to a stranger – still matter. Maybe even more than they used to. We all have our moments – no one's perfect. But it's worth asking: Is getting somewhere a few seconds faster really more important than being decent to the person next to you? Most people, at their core, are good. The news might not always reflect that, but it's true. And sometimes, all it takes to bring that goodness to the surface is a little spark – a smile, a kind word, a bit of patience. So next time you're out on the trail, or standing in line, or caught in traffic, consider giving someone a break, saying hello or simply choosing grace over frustration. It's a small thing, but it adds up. And who knows? That one small gesture might brighten someone's whole day – or even yours. Rosanne S. McHenry is a local author. She has written two very entertaining, award-winning books about the life of a park ranger, and is working on her third. To learn more about "Ranger Rose" and the books she has written, please visit www.triptalesbook.com.