It was gorgeous out today. the kind of day you can take a drive with the windows down. I decided to take a drive to visit with a friend for a few minutes in the town that I grew up in. I didn't have the kids today, so I figured it would be a good time to go.
As I am driving there, I realize, I likely have not exited at this exit in over three years. I haven't been over here since my mom sold her house. As I make the turn on to Harlem Avenue, I make my way to my town. As I turn off the main road, I drive slowly through the town to see how things have changed. I drive past all my favorite places I went as a preteenager. The first place was the library and the church. The church it looks the same as it did 34 years ago. when I made my confirmation. The exterior of the library looks different, they seemed to upgrade that. The little park that I would frequent behind the library looks the same but with a fresh coat of paint. I pass the cemetery where I learned how to drive. It reminds me of how we would walk through the cemetery and visit the grave of one of our friend's mom. I pass by my elementary school; it looks the same for the most part. They added a little park and they changed the directions of the streets to make drop off easier. It still brings back found memories of friends and teachers... some who are long gone. As I turn on to "my block" I am wondering how much the new owners have changed "my house." I slowly creep up the block and stare at every inch of the house. The first thing I see is the stained-glass windows, I am relieved they are still there. Then I see the stair railings, they look different. I remember they were fixed to sell the house. As I am passing, by I see that the garage doors are painted and the fence to the back yard is wide open. It isn't supposed to be open... it looks weird to me. I also see that the broken basketball hoop that was there forever is finally gone. It looks better with it gone. In that quick second you forget that it isn't your home anymore. but it was for 29 years. It is now someone else's home and I am glad someone else has made it their home. I hope they have as many found memories as I do and will cherish always. Next time I am in the old neighborhood, I will have to stop and pick up Mr. Subs!
4 Comments
Sara T.
3/7/2021 10:40:42 pm
It is the eeriest feeling going somewhere that was "yours" for so long when it now belongs to someone else. Each time I have driven down my childhood road that my parents were the original owners for over 40 years I feel almost sucker punched. I wanted my parents to leave and downsize, but I never thought I'd feel the emotions I do when we have gone back. That's still always going to be my backyard and my woods.
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Michelle Strezo
3/9/2021 08:12:31 pm
I still am very emotionally attached too. I cry, I cry at all of that!
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EugeniaKouts
3/8/2021 10:47:15 am
It's amazing, isn't it, how possessive we feel about "our home" even if we haven't lived there in over a decade or two? I hate that the neighborhood has so many big name shops/restaurants as I drive by and doesn't give off that small town feel. Although, I am sure the people that love there might be grateful for all those conveniences.
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trina
3/8/2021 07:44:33 pm
I love driving past my old house! I have driven the kids past too. I would love to go in and see what it looks like. I am glad you had a great day with all the memories :)
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AuthorI have worked in social work for over 25 years. The past 19 years have been within an elementary school setting. Archives
March 2022
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