September 29, 2018
I’ve just dropped my parents and niece off at the airport. The weather has held up thus far as we venture down 526. Something I haven’t noticed in the 6 years I’ve lived here my dad remarks “Wow.” He’s talking about the Cooper River. The same river I hear about all of the time. “Look at how wide that thing is.” Again, I’ve never thought twice about it. It’s just there.
What was originally supposed to be two full weeks turned into a week and some change after Hurricane Florence decided to tease the Charleston area. Luckily we managed unscathed as some areas were not so fortunate.
A week of fun, sun, food and booze was only slightly derailed by familial bickering at certain times. It’s a wonderful thing that family is.
After chowing down on mostly deep fried southern cuisine while they were here, it’s comforting to myself and my body in that I’ll get back eating normally and reducing my booze intake here shortly.
Just as many people do, I have a foolish pride about where I come from. I come from Lockport Illinois but that does not make me special. In fact Lockport isn’t special at all. As I recall my old history teacher told us that before Chicago came into its own, Lockport was a busy stop along the way for many business and working folk. What became of state street is a reflection of the current Lockport that I do hold near and dear to my heart. A couple of specialty shops but mainly old townie bars. Pete’s hot dogs is gone. I heard it’s been replaced with a Dunkin Donuts. Go figure. I wonder if the barbershop with the classic spiraling pole out front is still there? No Lockport isn’t special at all but as the story goes, the people are. I made many a great friendships and lost three quarters of them during my time there.
My parents remark about the beauty of Charleston. How even the Walmarts are tucked away behind beautiful foliage. A trait that annoys me to bits when I’m trying to pop in for a single item or two. They talk about the palm trees and Spanish moss which I do agree with is much prettier at times than the vast cornfields of the prairie state. As they say however, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there are absolutely some nights where all I wished I’d ever had is a cornfield and an empty road.
I’d be lying if I said it was easy juggling time between three visitors and my wife. I managed to squeeze out some shorter days between my two jobs so as to not leave one or the other in the lurch. I did a lot of running around which might be business as usual for most people but for this introvert, it was quite the task however very much worth it.
Living by the ocean and working 40+ hours a week don’t quite mix for a person such as I. When family is in town it’s a different story. Unlike most, the obligation to meet there is actually a pleasurable one. I’m exhausted from the two jobs and the heat is hitting me like prime Mike Tyson but alas, my body hits the Atlantic and feels free. By now most of the tourists have gone home so there is plenty of room to spread out. I don’t think there is a better place in the world than the ocean. Judging by my pale skin and farmers tan you might think I’m bluffing but the unfortunate fact of the matter is, I simply do not have the time to sit around for too long. These moments of solitude will not be forgotten.
After filling our respective swimsuits with enough sand to fill a sandbox, we snuck on down to Charleston Maritime Center. We arrived early and much to my frugal fathers satisfaction, packing was free. It’s interesting when you are afforded the opportunity to do something you normally wouldn’t do how much perspective there is to be had. I’d been around East Bay Street and the battery plenty of times but never to the maritime center. Never had a need to. Adjacent to the Maritime Center is a nice patch of grass. Lush, green begging for a certain introvert to lay a blanket across and daze away the day. Someday.
The captain of the boat was a charming bearded fella who I eventually zoned out in an attempt to appreciate being on the water. In my six years living here, this is my first time getting on a boat. I feel the same way I do about being on a boat as I do at the beach. I’m calm and at peace, I can feel the air in my lungs as it settles comfortably.
I’ve gotten a lot better about being homesick. Though I feel like there is a great chance I end up back in Illinois, living by the water is unparalleled. It’s also nice not having to scrape an inch of ice or a foot of snow off your car regularly during the bone shattering winter.
After we returned to dry land, we decided to make our way to Shem Creek, a place I dare not venture to on weekend. It’s Thursday so we’re safe. I’ve been eating like a wild boar since my family arrived so I settle for the seemingly lesser evil black bean burger with an array of hush puppies and fried green tomatoes. Vickeries, a restaurant I’ve never been to was an excellent choice made by my wife and I will surely be back at some point.
Friday was uneventful as my family had enough of the sun, heat and humidity. We found comfort in food via bojangles. My moms favorite chicken around here. It didn’t disappoint. One thing I’ve always enjoyed but fell in love with down south is a good biscuit. Beers flowed, uno and candy land battles were lost to a four year old. Smiles all around.
Which brings us up to speed.
Scattered thunderstorms luckily stayed scattered as my family headed back to Illinois. A quick drop off filled with hugs, kisses and reassurances that we’ll see each other come Christmas. FaceTime makes things a lot easier than they used to be. I’ve also gotten in the habit of saving voicemails from relatives. It’s good to hear a familiar voice even if it’s something as trivial as saying “ I missed your call, hope everything is ok call me back when you can.”
Back to reality my wife is working the closing shift which leaves me to my own devices. I’m reflecting on all the times that were had. I’ve no room for sadness during this time but there’s a Chicago style hot dog joint at the end of 526. What better to fill the void than a couple of Vienna Beef dogs dragged through the garden?
