The Unofficial Welcome Committee Of Lubbock: A Local Treasure

If you’ve lived in Lubbock long enough, you’ve probably met them — the unofficial welcome committee. They don’t wear badges or hand out maps, but you know them the moment they smile at you in the grocery line or wave you into traffic with that two-finger country salute.

The Unofficial Welcome Committee

There's the gas station clerk who calls you “darlin'” and knows what you're there for before you even say a word. Then we have the waitress at Tech Cafe who remembers your order and asks about your grandpa. And, what about the old man who waves from his porch in Tech Terrace like he’s running for mayor of kindness? Yep. He's also part of the committee.

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

The unofficial welcome committee of Lubbock is made of the strangers who make you feel better on the days when the wind’s been cruel to your new hairdo, the sky’s gone beige, and you start wondering why you ever decided to move back here at all.

Lubbock Can Be A Bit Rough

Lubbock’s not the kind of place that dazzles you at first glance. Nope. Far from it. It’s the kind of place that really has to grow on you. The sweetness here doesn’t come from sugar; it’s baked into our daily interactions, our little gestures, and our shared humanity.

So here’s to Lubbock’s greeters, huggers, wavers, smile-givers, and the folks who prove that southern hospitality isn’t dead, it's just out running errands at United and filling up at Stripes. It's all around you if you take the time to look.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

They’re not on the payroll, but they’re the heart of this city. And if you’re lucky, one of them will make your day before you even know their name.

Challenge For Readers

I challenge you to be one of the people who make every day here special by showing kindness to everyone you come across today, tomorrow, and always. Kindness is free; pass it on.