The most important thing in American Life

Ayumi

Week 4

8. Mar

How important people are around us! I realized this during this invaluable weekend. I stayed at Mr. and Mrs. Eckenrode's house on this first home stay weekend. Both of them are retired teachers. They are in the same generation as my grandparents. Their children had already got their own job and left their home. They seemed to treasure their community and enjoy their life the second stage of life.

The more important thing than any other is probably friends. There are a lot of neighbor near their house, because they live in the same section called Crown Point. Mr. and Mrs. Eckenrode always talk about their neighbors, and they spend their time together just for fun. It creates warm atmosphere near the Eckenrode's house. They have more friends, not only in the place where they live, but also at the church they visit every Sunday.

Their life seems to be very ideal old age life. Both of them spend many hours for their hobbies. My host father often run and he's won a lot of competition. He has many medals, running clothes and shoes in his hobby room. My host mother likes cooking very much, especially making some desserts. Her husband prefers to eat something sweet, so she often makes cakes or cookies for him. Furthermore, they always enjoy bowling together. They always visit bowling center twice a week. I've never seen such an active and romantic couple before. It doesn't happen in my grandparents' case.

For Mr. and Mrs. Eckenrode, friends and hobbies are indispensable in their life. That's why they can keep good communication between both neighbors and them. The husband's behavior, who always helps setting and cleaning the table, shows they are very cooperative with each other. I guess if they pay more attention to their health in the future, it'll be a more wonderful life, and I hope they live longer.