By Abe Villarreal
Today, somewhere in America, a mom is getting the family ready for church. Moms do that. They get everyone ready to do things. They are good at that. Whether we want to do them or not.
Today, somewhere in America, a family is traveling back home from a getaway weekend. We all need a getaway.
We don't get to them as much as we'd like. The kids are asleep in the back or watching a movie on their phones. They don't know what they are missing. Dad is driving because he always likes to be the driver.
Today, somewhere in America, a server is serving at a local restaurant. The kind of restaurant that's open on Sundays because they know the lunch rush brings in all the Sunday regulars. Servers always work on Sundays so that the rest of us don't have to do any of the serving. They are saints.
Today, somewhere in America, a nursing home is open. They never close. Someone's mom, someone's dad, or uncle, or aunt are there. They get rolled in and out of the cafeteria and dining hall. They are there waiting.
Today, somewhere in America, homework is due at midnight. Students have had all week to get it done, but it's due tonight so now is cram time. Deadlines are what make us an accomplished society.
Today, somewhere in America, it's movie night. People still go to the movies. Not as much as they used to, but they still go. For the giant buckets of popcorn. The darkness and the big screen. The time together.
Today, somewhere in America, someone with an empty pocket but a heart filled with hope is getting ready to open their flower shop, or barbershop, or consignment shop. It's been a lifelong dream and they know the odds are against them, but they march forward because that's what has kept this land of ours ticking.
Today, somewhere in America, a funeral happened. They happen all the time. The older we get the more they fill up our schedules. There's grief and then there is laughter and hugging. Catching up and taking pictures. There is good and bad in everything.
Today, somewhere in America, a rancher is up and about before the rest of us. His animals are up too. He has to be ready to get his work done before the sun is ready to greet him. He wouldn't have it any other way. Ranchers don't get off days and we all benefit from it.
Today, somewhere in America, football is on TV. There is still such a thing as appointment television. It's on for hours and hours. There's cheering and booing. Even if you're not into watching it, somehow you get involved.
Today, somewhere in America, someone is sitting on a front porch. Sitting and watching. Watching and listening. The sun comes up and then it goes down. The mailman has a day off. The trees are showing their age. The neighborhood dogs are keeping their watch.
It's all happening today, somewhere in America.
Abe Villarreal writes about the traditions, people, and culture of America. He can be reached at
