Happy April from deep in the woods! There's nothing quite like visiting our old stomping grounds... and my aunt and uncle's house in New Hampshire is the last of my childhood homes that I can return to... I just follow this dirt road. Bringing my children here is a lovely way to expand my memories, as they weave in their own current ones into my dusty but not forgotten ones. They say "you can't go home again", but I'm finding over and over that I can... as long as I adjust my expectations. I'm not 10 years old anymore, so my awareness of "home" must grow and evolve with me.
Do you have a special place that you return to with the desire to recreate the memories from more innocent times? It's not always possible is it? What if we reconciled our desires for replication of the past, and simply accepted that our old homes and our families are wonderful
containers for those well-loved stories. And what fun to watch our children "writing" their own. Spending time with the people that love and know you most has such potential for sweetness and growth.
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Yes, I went back to PA and driving along the Delaware River was such a great memory. I use to work at a Boarding house - was a chamber/maid and waitress and had the best time.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post. I was able to go home to my Virginia home to see my family for the Easter holiday. I realized that it's so good to be able to belong and be at home with them while also being able to belong and be at home with my husband and our life in San Francisco.
ReplyDeleteI am so lucky to have inherited my "home place". It is the place I can always get centered. We are, however, making some changes to make it more comfortable, so that our family can enjoy this wonderful setting for generations to come.
ReplyDeleteThis road reminds me of my grandparents camp road on Pawtuckaway Lake in NH.It was in the family for over 50 years. They had to sell it about 10 years ago to pay for my grandmothers nursing home. I drive by the entrance a lot when I'm going up to my dads and I get sad and a little teary eyed. I could walk that road blindfolded and I can still remember ever detail about the woods surrounding the camp,the lake, the sound of the loons at night and early morning and the sunsets. I wish I could go back to that home.Unfortunately my son doesn't really remember cause he was so small when it was sold.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!