On Friday, I drove down to my parent's house to visit. The drive down is a drive that I used to take 30+ years ago and one that I used to take more often. I thought of the times that I came home from college for the holidays. I thought about my life then and now. Same road but very different perspectives as I drove it home.
As I drove past the old familiar landmarks, I tried to think about what I was thinking back then. I used to think a lot about leaving and bettering my self and conquering the world. I used to have feelings like what George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life expressed.
But as I have gotten older, the drive back has changed for me. I now like coming back and driving past the old high school where so many memories were created. I like seeing the old pizza joint where we would hang out after a battle on the football field and tell our "war" stories and how we conquered the "enemy". I like driving around the square and remembering a time when we weren't concerned about a mortgage or how to pay for our kid's college.
The journey that I have taken in my life is not one that I would have imagined or planned for. It has had more bumps than I could have ever foreseen. It has had more heartache and failures than I ever thought possible.
But when I drive back home I also realize that, despite some setbacks and failures, that I am still moving forward and I am still the same person that used to dream big dreams back then. I realize that, even though things have not gone according to my plan, I am still making strides, that I have been able to provide for my family, and that things are going to be OK.
I like the perspective that coming home gives me.
2 comments:
What small town are you from Jeff... there are no "town squares" anymore!
Anonymous,
I grew up in a small town in central Illinois called Washington. The town square is actually having somewhat of a revival in Washington with new stores and activities focusing around it.
Thanks for the question. Have a wonderful holiday season!
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