The house that built me.. And the neighborhood.

Have you heard the song my Miranda Lambert, The house that built me?  I kinda felt like it written for me.

I have lived in Georgia now, for the better of 13 years. We have moved back to Massachusetts twice in those 13 years and every time I go back, even to visit, I feel like a stranger. It's just not the same. Towns, city's and neighborhoods have all changed. Of course us kids are older now and have gone our separate ways it's what we are expected to do. I guess, I just kinda thought our parents would always be there, so we could have a centralized meeting ground for when we came to visit.

 Well, of course that's not the case. Only a few our parents remain in the same "Hood" we grew up in. Thanks Maureen, for the above picture. She is one of the remaining few to still grace the Packachoag Hill area. Most, have sold their houses and moved on to bigger and better things. My mom, has left too but not by choice. I don't want to get into that. I am sure the house I grew up in will either be completely remodeled or demolished. The neighborhood just doesn't feel like home anymore. Streets have been added and taken away. Buildings like the one you see above, demolished.

This, was once a store. It caught fire about 5 years ago. It had three name; Pandi's, Fitzi's & Tee's. Pandi, was the original owner and someone my dad knew quite well. My Dad grew up in the neighborhood around the corner affectionately called College Hill. He would often tell me stories of my dad and my dad told stories of Pandi. They had a love, hate relationship. Then, Fitzi's bought it. Man, they had the best food around. Dennis, could make just about anything you wanted. I'll never forget getting greeted every morning with a smile from Dianne, Dennis' wife or MaryBeth. They were so kind and felt like family. Dianne knew, if I wasn't getting my usual Sprite that she would be making me a sausage, egg & cheese sandwich on a bulkie. My mouth is watering now, just thinking about it. Then, the memories that make me tear up, involved my daughter and my Dad. As soon as I had her, he took her there to show her off, did I mention everyone who worked there, was like family?

 As Brieana grew older, he would sneak her down there, and tell her she could have anything she wanted in the candy section and get her ice cream. She would come home with a brown paper bag filled to the brim with candy. Daddy gave me the "She's my granddaughter, I can get her what ever I want" lecture. Even though candy was never allowed unless it was a special occasion. What could I do? I just laughed, he loved Brieana so much, who was I to say anything. I loved hearing the whispers before and after going to the store.

Malvern Road, definitely won't feel like home anymore. I know, I need to make new memories, and we do. This just shows you truly need to make wonderful memories count and hold onto them for all their worth. Because one day, all you will have left is memories.