There's no real political leadership, it's a branch community with virtually every company's corporate headquarters located elsewhere, racism is rampant, the Police Department is corrupt and in disarray, the religious community is anything but and our "murder rate" puts bigger cities to shame.
Savannah copes with these things by pretending none of them are true.
The philosophy is "you don't really have a problem if you ignore it."
Yet ... Moss drapes the Oaks, the pungent aroma of the Marsh is everywhere, its Squares are delightful, the architecture stunning, live music is expected, there are very intriguing people, everyone seems to know everyone and it's a very giving place (though not an especially forgiving one).
After decades as part of Savannah's infrastructure, I took great pride trying to make it a better place and I believe we did.
These days, I hardly ever go ... a 20 minute ride may as well be 2000 miles ... it's a place where "if you give them everything, they'll take it."
Yesterday though, Laurel, Sarah's 10 year old, sang with the Savannah Children's Choir accompanied by the Savannah Philharmonic Symphony in The Cathedral of St. John.
My Mom met Sarah, Maddie, Cassidy and I and we enter the packed Church.
Old friends and acquaintances are everywhere so there are hugs and hand waves ... Mom chats away with someone she hasn't seen in years.
It's a stunningly beautiful experience!
The best Savannah has to give itself is there.
I am with my family, see old friends, feel wonderful music in a magical environment that occasionally boarders on Holiness.
And I cry.
Maddie, the 12 year old laughs at me ... Sarah shakes her head with a smile ... Mom's too busy talking to notice ... and Cassidy's fallen asleep.
But every now and then in this world ... the Kingdom really does come on earth like it is in Heaven ... and if that doesn't give you tears of joy ... then nothing will.
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