Sean Dengler.

With it being Asher’s first Halloween, knocking doors and asking for candy was a forgotten experience from my childhood. Asher is not allowed to eat any candy at 10 months old, but it does not prevent us from showing off our cute pumpkin. Asher made it to ten houses, which was more than anticipated.

His stoic face was not because he was scared, but rather, he took in the sights along the dark streets where princesses, minions, and other magical creatures scurried. While anticipatory anxiety came from wondering what the night of trick or treating would bring, the reward of taking Asher out on his first Halloween was worthwhile. In addition to seeing Halloween through Asher’s eyes, the sense of community trick or treating built surprised me.

For the first time in eight years, we were out amongst others knocking doors and asking for candy. The Denglers have always given out Halloween candy, but being on the other side of the equation gave a new perspective. We were able to meet a younger couple who recently moved into a long vacant house. Before this interaction, we stopped by another recently moved in house to compliment their recent renovations and vote in their poll between Crunch bars and Snickers. Crunch surprisingly held a slight lead. We also dug into brains (spaghetti) to retrieve a large piece of candy at a younger couple’s duplex.

This whole experience was an exercise in meeting fellow neighbors on a more personal level and not only seeing them in passing as my dog, Eevee, and I walk by their houses during the lighter parts of the day. I never realized how much this could mean. These encounters renewed hope and rejuvenated my soul.

While social media is pitched as always being connected, the world feels more disconnected because of it. At the same time, community institutions like bowling leagues, churches, clubs, and organizations struggle to find membership, but seeing people taking their kids out to knock on neighbor and strangers’ doors with young and old, different socioeconomic income levels all participating in the fun provides hope.

Despite happening at the same time as an election where people vote for different choices and may not be happy with the results, this trick or treating excursion gives a sense of connection and community being built. People care about other people despite their differences and do not let anyone else tell you otherwise. The world is not perfect, but in these moments like on Halloween, a community can come together for the greater good.

While I expected Asher to get compliments on his costume, the streets to be teaming with various mischievous characters, and lots of candy to be had, the feeling of a sense of community being built was unexpectedly fruitful. For this reason, I am grateful. Humans are social creatures and having a day to bring everyone together is amazing, and I did not expect it to be on a spooky night. The world is a better place with neighbors talking to neighbors and a little pumpkin going on their first Halloween.

Sean Dengler is a writer, comedian, now-retired beginning farmer, and host of the Pandaring Talk podcast who grew up on a farm between Traer and Dysart. You can reach him at sean.h.dengler@gmail.com.