One thing I just treasured about my hometown is that wherever I went, I knew people. I knew Darlene at the post office and she always asked me about my cookbooks. Samantha, Dave, or Mike always helped me with my pictures at Wolf Camera. Our babies grew up LITERALLY in front of their very eyes. I knew our sanitation workers so well that one time I passed one of them on the road, saw him in tears, and offered him a ride. I had people. Moving so far from home means no people. The man at the post office still does not recognize me, even though H wants to "ride the horsey" every time we go (she pretends that part of a desk is a horsey... don't ask me why!). The women who work the Target lines don't have a clue that I spent the very FIRST dollar at our Target store at home. I don't have any people.
Well, guess what?! I HAVE ARRIVED!!!! This summer I fed the children at our Publix twice. It happened to be around lunchtime when we finally were at the grocery store, and my dear friend, W, had said their popcorn chicken is great for children. I tried one of their subs and was hooked. I heart their $5 combo special!! W served sliced Publix subs one day for lunch. It was a great way to try different kinds. So, today we were having some of H's friends for a playdate and I offered to serve lunch. I went to Publix, bought three subs cut 4 ways, and did my shopping. I know this story is turning longer & longer. Ahem. I digress.
So, we trudged through the store buying all kinds of goodies, including crab for the seafood casserole I am going to make. Yes, I will soon share the recipe. I digress again. So... H & I were finally in the check out line chatting it up with Sherry. Suddenly I feel someone enveloping me in a great BIG hug. I don't have people here, remember, so I turned to see who it was!!! It was my sweet friend Janine from the sub area!! She had not been there when I bought our subs, but she had seen me, and since we are now buddies, she came over to give me a big hug. I loved it. And now, I've got PEOPLE!!! I have arrived.....
The Relief, Or, Saturday Morning at 8:57am
6 days ago
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10 comments:
So happy for you. It's nice to feel like you've got "Peeps" where ever you go... I bet that was the best hug :)
That is a great feeling and often something that is missed tremendously and hardest to find when you move to a new town! Glad it you have arrived:)
I can soooo relate to this post. It almost had me crying, girl. I am so glad "you have arrived." What an amazing feeling.
You know I don't know how to comment on these things. I try all the time, but it never shows up. I am trying again anyway!
Friend, you are amazing! So glad you got some friends in the Publix! Cause nobody loves.....like you do!
did it really just post a comment????
Welcome Home!!!!!!
Congrats!!! You are making me miss the south so much :) I've lived in upstate NY for 10 years and while people are generally friendly... they aren't friendly like that!
You go, Clazy Girl! Nothing says you've arrived like being loved at Publix! I felt exactly the same way when I moved to Tampa 13 years ago. I still remember the first time I was recognized and smiled at by a Publix employee! Don't you love Sherry?! I was just talking to her about her heart medicine yesterday and her arthritis!It is a good feeling! You have done beyond an amazing job settling here, and I know, I get to see you every day! You are my inspiration!
Wow! I feel like Beth! I just successfully blogged! Whoop! Whoop! Now I feel like I have arrived!
I know that feeling! There is nothing better or more comforting than familiar faces at everyday places! So glad that you are making friends....for you it should be a snap! I am happy for you!
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