Springfield, Massachusetts

Springfield.  The home of Dr. Suess, Basketball, and so much more.   My hometown.  It is rumored that my grandmother's side has been in Springfield since the 1700's, with relatives coming over on the Mayflower itself.
This is the area where I spend the first twelve years of my life, on the little house on Laurence Street. My dad owned a store, 'Joe's Variety', across the street from Liberty Elementary School-my school-years ago. It still stands.  I was part of the building of  a new playground in the year 2000,, although the old one, long gone, still stands in my mind.  It was great to see all the teachers who taught me.  I thanked them.  Something not everyone gets the chance to do.

Mr. Tribolski, my 4th grade teacher, really made an impression.  Teaching those of us who needed  extra review in 'coatroom closets', having us practice what we wanted to say in front of a mirror. He took a very shy, slighly backwards girl, to one that started to enjoy music (I briefly played the clarinet and guitar), to acting, and leading off the chorus in my favorite Christmas Carol, Silent Night. 

  Springfield, where my mother,grandmother and more were born, were also the last places my grandfather and mother plus several aunts spent their  last happy days.  Mom drove herself and  dad home to Springfield.She was surrounded by family and friends, laughing and having a goo time. It stopped abruptly when mom couldn't catch her breath and asked for an ambulance.  She held on long enough for all of us to make it from Florida to Springfield, to say goodbye.

  Still, life goes on, and Springfield forever remains my home.

Like everywhere, life's bitter and sweet moments play out.  i always remember  my hometown with fondness.