Last Town Meeting was difficult. It was long, emotions were high, and there are clearly some real disagreements about the future of Deerfield. I know I’ve been involved in many of the issues people feel strongly about, and I also know not everyone sees things the same way I do.

But what stayed with me afterward was how difficult it can feel for us to truly hear one another. Too often, we arrive ready to debate instead of listen.

What makes me saddest isn’t what passed or didn’t pass. It’s that we can lose sight of something important that we all share: we are fortunate to call Deerfield home.

So, in that spirit, here are 10 things I love about this town — and maybe some things you love about it, too:

1. Deerfield is beautiful. The fields, the hills, the river, the farmland, the old trees — there are moments when it still catches me off guard.
2. I love that you can get fresh produce from a farm stand on an ordinary afternoon, sometimes just a short walk from home.
3. I love the kids who live here, and the teachers, coaches, librarians, and caregivers helping raise thoughtful and kind humans.
4. I love how many people grow big, gorgeous gardens.
5. I love how seriously people take local issues. Even when it gets messy, civic engagement is something a lot of communities wish they had.
6. I love how many dogs live in my neighborhood.
7. I love Halloween in Deerfield so much that my coworkers fully expect me to take vacation time around it.
8. I love that our local leaders are accessible, willing to have conversations about difficult issues, and that the people at Town Hall will stop what they’re doing to help a resident.
9. I love that people here show up for one another in practical ways — checking in during storms, helping shovel, sharing information, making sure neighbors are OK.

10. I love that beneath all the debate and disagreement is a town full of people who care deeply about where they live and what happens here.

I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, and this isn’t an attempt to smooth over real disagreements or pretend the issues facing the town aren’t important. They are. But at the end of the day, you’re still my neighbors first.

Emily Susan Gaylord lives in South Deerfield.