I climbed over my big brother onto the pickup seat next to my dad. This was it, the last load. When we left this time we would not be coming back.
The family had lived in other homes. My siblings told lively stories about the Pearson house though I had no memory of it. This was the only home I had known, the house on Cedar Street. I loved this house.
I hadn't wanted to get in the truck. Hadn't wanted to leave. But when you are four no one asks your opinion. You just have to go along.
As dad starts the truck I swing around backwards and climb up on my knees. I ball my hands into angry fists and rest my chin on them with my elbows propped on the back of the seat. I never want to forget this place that I love. I will keep it in my sights for as long as I possibly can memorizing every detail of it.
The engine sputters and we pull away. One block on Cedar then a right on West Street. Not a long time to keep it in my sights. It doesn't matter much anyway. It is hard to see through clouds of tears.
Childhood Neighborhood
This is my earliest memory.
A very touching story. How far did you move?
ReplyDeleteOh, about 5 blocks! I later in life would walk back to Cedar to play with old friends, but to a 4 yr old it felt like miles!
DeleteIsn't it funny we can remember those early childhood neighborhoods so well? I always will remember St. Charles Street and Raymond Street in my hometown of Elgin, IL, although I understand they look now nothing like my memories. Maybe it is better that way.
ReplyDeleteIn many cases it is better that way. I hate driving by the first two homes we owned in adulthood, because I am not satisfied with their care. Memory is sometimes the best viewfinder to look through.
DeleteI don't know about the house on Cedar Street - but you're the cutest little thing - and very attached to a sense of place and home - even back then. Adorable.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that we are who we are at the core right from the start. I was a complete homebody. Never more content than when I was home with my family.
DeleteAwwww May...I just want to reach out an hug that little baby girl that left her home. Well weaved words!
ReplyDeleteChristy
http://mywritingplayground.com
I think my parents were excited having finally bought a home rather than renting, but I was not on board in the least!
DeleteI'm glad you didn't have to go too far. The memories of our early childhood stay with us somehow, even when we have to draw it out of brains at times. :)
ReplyDeleteOh.... cloudy tears. I know what that feels like to leave a place you love. We're blessed to have those memories that make a place near and dear to our heart's. I will always love my childhood home.
ReplyDeleteHi May,
ReplyDeleteI’m the Community Manager with Anagram Interactive, where we specialize in connecting established brands with prominent bloggers. We’re currently working with Paperless Post, a company that designs customizable online and printed stationery, to show that communication can be personal and well-designed regardless of the medium.
Paperless Post has partnered with several world-famous designers and lifestyle brands, including kate spade new york, Oscar de la Renta, Jonathan Adler, and Rifle Paper Co., and has delivered over 85 million cards to date. Since you have such an engaging and beautifully-designed blog, we’d like to offer you 600 Paperless Post digital Coins (a $60 value) for free to try out our online service and write about your experience.
We really think you’ll enjoy Paperless Post and can’t wait to hear what you think. Please let me know if this is something you’d be interested in and I’ll show you how to get started.
Please write me at helen@anagraminteractive.com
Best,
Helen