There are places that remain the same no matter how many decades pass. Time seems to have stood still. People come and go, sort of. The houses and fields all look the same, Going back after five years was a vivid reminder of why I left. We drove down roads past houses we used to drive everyday. Now five years latter it could have been yesterday since we were there last. There is no progress, just stagnation and a laziness that comes with a area with no future. Whatever future it ever had has long left, with no forwarding address.
All of this was clear was we drove though my old stomping ground this last summer. My brother in law who was driving, pointed out stuff he remembered, and it'd been even longer since he'd been here. I nodded in agreement as we past places that looked like they need to be torn down and started over. But no one would because there is no future here. What once was a thriving agriculture community has long since became the poorest county in the state, as soon as kids with any ambition get the chance they're out of there. I don't blame them.
It wasn't all doom and gloom, however. The weather was beautiful, for Western NY. We were able to visit a number of prime attractions that we hadn't been to in years. This was the first time in several years we all four of the kids and their respective families. I remember thinking at the time it was almost surreal to have them all together, getting along acting like adults, and cooperating. Best part is we topped it off with a beautiful outside wedding, and I gave the bride away.
All of this was clear was we drove though my old stomping ground this last summer. My brother in law who was driving, pointed out stuff he remembered, and it'd been even longer since he'd been here. I nodded in agreement as we past places that looked like they need to be torn down and started over. But no one would because there is no future here. What once was a thriving agriculture community has long since became the poorest county in the state, as soon as kids with any ambition get the chance they're out of there. I don't blame them.
It wasn't all doom and gloom, however. The weather was beautiful, for Western NY. We were able to visit a number of prime attractions that we hadn't been to in years. This was the first time in several years we all four of the kids and their respective families. I remember thinking at the time it was almost surreal to have them all together, getting along acting like adults, and cooperating. Best part is we topped it off with a beautiful outside wedding, and I gave the bride away.