Home of Today's Common Sense

Submitted 4/2/2004 Published Brownsville Herald
I have recently read in the Herald a number of calls for new public expenditures to build this facility or provide that service to get Brownsville on the “Map”. Certainly some of these things are necessary to maintain the quality of life but I submit that Brownsville is indeed on the “Map” and not because of any edifice or service.
Last fall I returned to the town where I was born, a small “bordertown” in Northern New York for my 40th high school reunion. As is the case with many “transplanted Texians”, I fell in love with the place, the people and the mystique that is Texas; and unabashedly brag about its many wonders. (I am still impressed that there are still real people that normally wear cowboy boots and hats.)
My two best friends from high school, now partly retired, normally escape the severe winters in Kissimmee, Fla. were persuaded to visit us in Brownsville for two weeks. They are now considering changing their destination.

As expected, they were very impressed with our zoo, their first taste of real “Texican Food” and the natural beauty that abounds in the wildlife areas and beaches. They also enjoyed the flea markets, the resacas that run through the town, the great weather and so many other things that I had just come to take for granted.
High on the agenda was to buy a pair of Custom Boots. Faced with a unique problem, how to choose which of the many great bootmakers in Mercedes, Raymondville etc. to entrust the project to, the decision went to the folks at Cavazos Boots in Mercedes because of the enormous personal pride in their product that each of the craftsmen conveyed to my friend. The quality of the boots fulfilled the dream of a lifetime (at modest cost) and more. Beyond that, the personal relationship that developed, over a pair of boots, evoked memories of an earlier simpler time. We also visited the Bird and Butterfly Farm in Los Fresnos and were treated to more South Texas charm with a personal tour and explanations from the BISD school administrator gone butterfly breeder.
What my friends enjoyed most were the great “real folks” that they met at religious services, restaurants, flea markets, stores, in the grocery store, on the streets, etc. that mirrored the warm friendly people described above.
What better recommendation can a community have than its people?