Why am I a member of the Richmond Food Coop? In addition to
a love of food, social justice, and cooperative models, I feel passionately
about the power of stories. Each of us brings our own stories to the table and
we build community by sharing them with one another. Food brings us together,
but what we share with each other through the stories we tell constitutes a
meaningful solidarity. A great example in recent memory is the Co-op Book Club
where we have enjoyed great food all the while creating good memories and
stories.
Growing up in Central New York where I was fortunate to have
a caring family taught me the value of family and community. As my grandma
would say, “We didn’t have much, but we had each other.” I agree that what is
most important is having each other. Grandma Hole (yes that is my Mom’s maiden
name) was the matriarch of our family. This woman was a force in and of herself.
Not only could she prepare enough food for big family gatherings during the holidays,
but she would also invite any person she knew to their tiny home if she thought
they might be alone for the holiday. To me there was always a kindness about
her that could never be replicated. During those times when we would go over to
my grandparents’ house my Mom, brother, and I would always be the first to
arrive and the last to leave. I realize now that this was my Mom’s opportunity to
actually sit down to talk and to share what was going on in their lives before
everyone showed up. I loved to sit and listen to them talk about relatives and
how they were doing and “catching up” or telling stories of the past. I believe
that my Mom wanted to absorb as much of her parents’ life and their stories before
they were not here to share it with her anymore. We would all go to my grandparents
for a meal and to indulge in those comfort foods that we enjoy during the
holiday season, but it was the time and the stories we shared that made the
holidays special. My grandparents were of that generation that lived through
the depression where they saved everything they could but also realized that if
they had the means they would always give to those less fortunate. I learned the value of giving from my family
and this is something I hold dear to me as I see a world where people
increasingly focus on themselves and not others.
I joined the Co-op because I believe in family and community.
Our social fabric is being constantly assaulted. It is reaching a point where
we might never be able to regain the sense of community, family, and empathy
that is so desperately needed. This is my opportunity to do my best to mend our
social fabric by sharing my life, my stories and myself. I want people to know
they are not alone and that together we can mend the fabric of our community by
sharing our stories and lives with one another. My grandma would be proud of me
and all of us.
Thanks to Michele for providing me the opportunity to share
my story with other Co-op members. I will always miss my home state of NY, but I
have my new family here in Richmond with Tracy Citeroni, two dogs, a cat, and
the Co-op.
-Mark Lewis, Co-op Member/Owner
