The Block Party

Our street had never had a block party. Somebody had to start it, so I put flyers in every mailbox and hoped for the best.

I figured maybe fifteen people would come. Ninety-three people came.

Mr. Alvarez brought his giant grill and cooked for four hours straight. The family at the end of the street brought a bounce house. Teenagers set up a playlist that somehow made everyone happy. Somebody's grandfather taught the kids how to play dominoes, and by sundown there was a fierce tournament.

I met neighbors I'd been waving to for six years without knowing their names. A widow who lives alone told me it was the best day she'd had in a long time. Three people volunteered to organize next year's party before the night was over.

All it took was one flyer. Community is waiting on every street. Sometimes it just needs an invitation.