So yesterday Connor and I took a semi-spontaneous roadtrip to Shammy-Town. Mema and the rest of the family were going to meet one last time to clear out what was remaining in her house since her move to Lubbock.
I had pretty much made up my mind that I wasn't going. Chad wasn't going and I had never driven anywhere farther than Floydada by myself. I know...I'm way too sheltered. But I knew I had to go. And the thrill of being on the highway alone was just way too alluring!
When I was a kid I thought the drive to Shamrock was soooooo BORING. There was nothing to look at but land and cows. Now I understand and appreciate the quiet stillness of the countryside. So as Connor and I pointed out all the cows and trains along the way, I savored the simplicity of it all.
My cousin, Kate, and me. We have so many "Shamrock" memories. Like stealing Mema's Virginia Slims by the pack!! And walking to town to eat lunch at Mankhen Drug and charging it to Jack's account (grilled cheese sandwiches and Cherry, Vanilla Dr. Pepper with Cream). And giggling in church a little too loud. And burning a perfectly round hole in Mema's bathroom curtains with one of the cigarettes we stole. Visiting the creepy museum, going to the farm with Jack, finding local kids who were old enough to drive us around town, the smell of Aqua Net as Mema got ready EVERY morning, the smell of Carmex...the list goes on.
As we were walking through Mema's house one last time today we couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for the sad little town of Shamrock, for Mema, for time that has gone by so quickly. we understood what the other was feeling. While our kids were running up and down the stairs and finding all the cool secrets about that old house, we were saying goodbye to a piece of our childhood. We are all grown up now and have secured our place at the "adult" table. But Shamrock will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Connor and Kate's kids (3rd cousins??) We can't figure what they are to each other.
My boyfriend!
He found Jack's old hats.
Goodbye, house. Thanks for the good times!
4 comments:
Aww I'm such a sap, such a bittersweet story, made me cry! Such precious memories, you were lucky to have a place like that!
And if you are 1st cousins with her, then I'm pretty sure they are 2nd cousins...
crud this is Elizabeth...logged in as Chloe!
That so sweet that you could go one more time to that house. I grew up in Canadian and dated a boy or two from Shamrock. ;)
What a sweet post. Makes me think of my own memories at my grandparents' house in good ole Post. I love small town memories.
Post a Comment