TENT shows us what community is supposed to look like

What is community? A group of people who live in the same area? A group of people who have shared experiences or interests? People of the same culture or ethnicity?

I feel that in this time in history we need to move beyond small definitions to a broader sense of community. We are in a time in history when we need to be not only small groups or places but part of a world community that shares an ideal of coming together despite our differences – both worldwide as well as with in the places we live.

My mother used to say that the important things in life are having a roof over ones head, food on the table, family and community. She not only worked full time, raised a family, but volunteered to meet the needs of her community.

For me TENT, or Taos Elders and Neighbors Together, is an example of community. They meet the needs of many elders in Taos through volunteers in our community. I am an example of someone they have helped.

I fell off a staircase with a railing on only one side 4 feet through the air and landed on my head and shoulders on to a cement floor. I damaged my right arm, ribs and spine, and I could not drive. My husband is also an elder and can’t drive long distances. He drives to Taos and back, but I needed medical trips to Santa Fe, Española and Albuquerque to see medical specialists. Our son took time off work for me to go to pre-op appointments, surgeries and my post-op in Albuquerque. But a TENT member took me to my appointments in Santa Fe, Española and Taos. Thank you, thank you, TENT.

We are a diverse community of people, but a community trying to pull together to meet the needs of all of its people. We will not survive as a species without that kind of caring for all people. Lets honor everyone and do what we can to help out when we can and where we can.

Pamela Tennant-Harris lives in Arroyo Hondo.