Sometimes it takes someone “from away” to make us realize what we have right here at home.

Once in a while someone comes along who changes your perspective. That someone may not even realize the impact a specific set of words uttered in passing has had on you, but the truth is in the effect. I heard a statement made by one of the guests at the Ware Street Inn that left such an impression.

These particular guests had decided to accept job offers locally and were staying with us for the third time; on this particular visit, they were house hunting.

With all the talk of our young adults leaving the area in search of lucrative employment, I’m always curious as to what exactly it is that draws people “from away” to relocate to this same L-A that so many of us run away from. Generally, our average wages are lower than elsewhere. What is it, then, that attracts people here – away from the high wages their skills can realize in a bigger city?

Well, my Dad always told me that the only way to find out the answer to a question was to ask, so I did. Their response was an eye-opener.

“Lewiston-Auburn is the epicenter of everything we’re looking for in a place to live and work.”

Wow! That put it all in a nutshell. They are moving to L-A because it offers them an ideal life. Our reality is their ideal.

For those of us who are native to L-A – those of us who too often grumble about life in L-A – perhaps it’s time for us to take a fresh look at our reality, all the while asking ourselves why we don’t see our life in L-A as our ideal.

What is it about the Lewiston-Auburn area that makes it this couple’s ideal “epicenter”? After all, they had had the opportunity to look for

jobs all over the United States.

For them, it is the proximity to the water (both lakes and the ocean), the active and abundant arts scene (especially live theater), the many nearby opportunities to downhill and cross country ski, and the challenging hikes offered in our nearby mountain region.

More importantly, the community itself is appealing to them. Living here is affordable, the crime rate is low and they feel safe on their runs through the Twin Cities. They’re pleased that there are so many opportunities to participate in physical fitness programs. All of the construction around the area is impressive to them; they feel it’s an indication that things are progressing in a positive way.

The bottom line, though, is the sense of community they get when meeting people in L-A. They feel people care about each other, its evident values are good, educational opportunities are abundant. They could easily visualize a fulfilling and diverse lifestyle being a part of our L-A.

So here’s this young couple whose values clearly go beyond the almighty dollar sign. The value they perceive in living in our L-A is worth more than money. Being a part of our community is what is important to them. They’ve chosen L-A to be their home for all the right reasons.

We, the natives, haven’t all consciously and methodically chosen Lewiston-Auburn as our home. But L-A is our home, our community. It is indeed our epicenter.

Maybe it’s time for some of us to take a fresh look at our epicenter through the eyes of the newcomers to our community. They came because of what our the community has to offer, because what is good about

L-A far outweighs what is not good.

What it offers these new neighbors of ours, L-A also offers us – lots of interesting things to do in a relatively safe environment, growing pride in our diversity, exciting progress and growth, being in the heart of a region that offers unlimited resources for our enjoyment and opportunities for personal growth.

For us, in addition to all of the above, it offers even more – a rich history, common bonds and deep roots, the comfort of familiarity (not the familiarity that creates complacency but that which opens our eyes to the subtle and not-so-subtle changes going on around us), and an opportunity to give back.

Like many other natives, right after high school graduation, I left to follow my dreams. My dreams led me back, and I’m very glad they did.

Those new neighbors to all of us made me realize that Lewiston-Auburn is the epicenter of everything I’ve ever wanted in a place to live and work.

If our new neighbors are reading this, thanks for the “Aha!” moment!

Jan Barrett is the owner of the Ware Street Inn Bed & Breakfast in Lewiston.