I was born in Chicago, in Ravenswood Hospital to be exact. I'm not sure where we lived when I was born, but I know that I grew up at 4610 N Paulina. It was a beautiful old Victorian house on a then, not so great street. I've been back as an adult and the street is so much better now...and the house looks just as beautiful!
We lived in Chicago until I was 12 and going into 6th grade. We went to Addison Street Congregational Church where I had many, many good times. I went to a small school called Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School where I had many, many good times as well. I poked around the website for the school and there are 2 teachers who are STILL teaching there! One of them was my favorite...Mr. Knuth, he taught me how to whistle.
I'm telling you all this because I've been a busy internet girl again...while in Chicago I had a friend named Dawn. We were good friends with plans all laid out for our futures...but then we moved.
I was always a good letter writer and tried to keep up with her and her family but as time moved on we lost track of each other. Then, in 1987 my family went back to Chicago to visit during the holiday season. Our church had a big party in a hall where all I remember is that people were dressed up in crazy outfits...strange memories...Dawn was there and we reconnected which led to many more letters. Letters not only from Dawn but from her mom and one of her brothers as well.
I have not been successful at finding her but the other evening I did find her brother and their mom happened to be with him. I've been so excited at the thought of reconnecting with this family.
I'm so far removed from my life in Chicago. I remember the exact year when I realized that I had lived outside of Chicago longer than I had lived in the city. It was a sad realization for me. I struggle even now answering where I'm from. I want to say that I'm from Chicago but then I'm asked all kinds of questions about living there and all I can say is that I loved living there as a child. My brother and I still have the Chicago accent though, which makes me so proud.
Living in Seattle makes me think that Hazel and August may have the same experiences I had growing up in a city. Hazel already has a little friend who lives down the street who she's known for a few years now and August has Francis. I am so hopeful that my kids will be able to stay connected with their friends as they transition into young adults...
***Just heard back from Dawn!! The last time I saw her was in 1987 and we're emailing like time hasn't passed! I'm thrilled to no end.
A Many Family Blog
Showing posts with label then and now. Show all posts
Showing posts with label then and now. Show all posts
9/19/08
4/28/08
Pictures
We spent some time at the dog park this weekend. August and Hazel do such a great job at making the most of what we're doing. Hazel can be found collecting sticks and writing words on the table in the small dog area. She also loves to walk up to the dog owners and chat with them about how cute their dog is...
**this is supposed to say RAT, but it looks a bit like CAT. Hazel called me over to look at what she'd done by saying, "you're gonna be sooooo scarred by this!"
Every time we go to this park the kids run to this hill and start digging. I'm always on them about how gross I think it is because, well, we're at a dog park where dogs pee and poop on the same hill they are digging in. When I announced that we were going to the park they both ran for their gardening gloves so that they can dig without risk.
Of course Hazel has to lay on the ground to do the digging. It's always amazed me how different these kids are from each other. 
August, when he was a baby did not want his legs or arms to touch grass or sand. He'd try to balance himself on his bum while keeping his legs off the ground.
Hazel on the other hand would lay on the grass and wave her arms and legs around.
I'll always remember putting her on the sand at golden gardens beach and having her wiggle and squirm her way INTO the sand so that she could feel it all.
They are still this way. August does not understand why people put sandals on in the sand. Hazel longs to run in the grass/sand without shoes on.
Ahh, these kids.
**this is supposed to say RAT, but it looks a bit like CAT. Hazel called me over to look at what she'd done by saying, "you're gonna be sooooo scarred by this!"Every time we go to this park the kids run to this hill and start digging. I'm always on them about how gross I think it is because, well, we're at a dog park where dogs pee and poop on the same hill they are digging in. When I announced that we were going to the park they both ran for their gardening gloves so that they can dig without risk.
Of course Hazel has to lay on the ground to do the digging. It's always amazed me how different these kids are from each other. 
August, when he was a baby did not want his legs or arms to touch grass or sand. He'd try to balance himself on his bum while keeping his legs off the ground.Hazel on the other hand would lay on the grass and wave her arms and legs around.
I'll always remember putting her on the sand at golden gardens beach and having her wiggle and squirm her way INTO the sand so that she could feel it all.They are still this way. August does not understand why people put sandals on in the sand. Hazel longs to run in the grass/sand without shoes on.
Ahh, these kids.
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