Reflections of yesterday

Yesterday I returned to a place I called "home" for many years.   I was struck by the fact that something so familiar could be so different.  Streets that were once one-way are no longer, once vibrant local businesses are no longer and some have been replaced by the all american chains or just torn down entirely.  There was a time that when I went somewhere in town, to the store, to a restaurant, to the post office, to church...I would always see someone that I knew.  I went the entire day yesterday and did not run into any one that I knew.  

Whenever I come to town, my best friend (who is also a visitor) and I take the "long way" when ever we drive anywhere.  We drive past our favorite neighborhoods, our favorite houses, places that we would sneak a beverage when we weren't old enough.  We notice that the little quaint neighborhoods are still quaint, that kids still walk places, that our schools are still there, the same but different. We still feel the sense of home.

At a time in my life that I am in such transition, I wonder....why didn't I notice all the change.  Did I fully appreciate and value the people that have truly influenced my life?  Can I reclaim some of the things that have slipped from my grasp? Did I see the changes or was I just to busy or self absorbed?  I spent the day with a dear woman who is so special to me.  I was struck by how witty and funny she is.  Why did I never really notice it in all the years I've know her.

Today is a new day.  I can only move forward.  I can treasure the people that make up my soul and do everything in my power to keep them there.  My life is about the people that I love and care about.  It really is pretty simple.