Leaving Manhattan recently on a wintry Friday afternoon we hit rush hour and my husband turned off the highway to avoid it traffic. We were taking local Bronx streets when I realized we were about to pass my old neighborhood, and we decided to drive down my old street.
I’ve written before about 2026 McGraw Ave, the house I grew up in, and that I last saw a dozen years ago when I went to a wonderful neighborhood reunion. (See Parkchester, Celebrate Me Home, Mr Bucco and the Ginger Cat, and Fluffy and the Alligator Shoes)
But it had been heart wrenching then to see the changes to the house since my parents sold it in the 1970s, and now I was sorry to see there had been even more changes.
Our property had spanned two lots and we had a large garden with a lovely stone birdbath, a garage and tool shed, a charming grape arbor that bore fruit, and on each side of our front door a beautiful magnolia tree – but now all those were gone.
And that recent Friday afternoon seeing the house again, now painted a garish yellow, I regretted that we’d made that detour.
But maybe Thomas Wolfe had it wrong, because lying in bed that night I saw the house once more – it was painted a warm brown, it was early spring, and our magnolia trees were in full bloom. And I went home again.
– Dana Susan Lehrman
This is a beautiful piece! I love telling the stories we remember from our youth and earlier times. They make us live more fully thru the present and into the future.
Thanx Shel! Miss you, hope we speak soon.
Too often, when we do attempt to go back, places and things from our pasts are so different than how they were that the visit is disheartening. Nothing, apparently, stays they same, despite that adage that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Both are true, yet neither is the whole story.
Glenn, you’re so right.
Stay well, some day another reunion!
Always nice to go back and remember the good times and the interesting ones. Is this the Bronx?
Yes indeed Helen, it’s the Bronx!
Beautiful piece.
Thanx Midge!
Beautifully put! We are magnetically drawn to revisit our past world, but it’s true, nothing can ever “bring back the hour.” Still we return.
Yes Mike, still we return! Hope you’re writing too!
When have we ever listened to Thomas Wolfe? You are right on! Home is in the heart. I know that is where 4108 Vinita Dr. is located. Lovely piece.
Thanx Paula, and I’ve read your wonderful piece about your childhood Ohio home!
Very nice story. I’ve visited the first house my parents & I lived in as well. There are always changes, sometimes good and sometimes not so good.
Yes indeed Artie, let’s try to remember the good!