My dad and I have always been very close. Even when we moved to different states, we kept in touch but we hardly ever got to see each other. There were two summers and a Christmas I flew out to Nevada to visit, but that was it. So when I told him I had decided to move to Portland, I could tell that he was beside himself. And honestly, I was, too.
It's not like I was worried that we wouldn't recognize each other or something. I guess I was just nervously excited because I wasn't seventeen anymore. I had changed beyond measure, and so had he. But it was all in good ways. Despite my attempt at a rock-hard adult exterior, I was still reduced to a ten-year-old when I entered the baggage claim area in the airport and ran toward him, tears in my eyes and saying "DADDY!"
It's just like old times, but even better. And there's another person added to the mix. Jenise is honestly one of the coolest people I've ever met. I totally knew she and Dad were meant for one another when I found out how much she loved Tom Waits, but that's beside the point. I've reconnected with my Dad and I'm getting to know my newest family members. My stepbrother lives out here, too, but I've yet to meet him face-to-face.
Yesterday afternoon, Dad took me on a walking tour of our neighborhood. I've never felt so at home in another state. While I still love my home state, I would totally be comfortable saying, "Yeah, I'm from Oregon." Does that make me a traitor or a poser? Anyway, our neighborhood has so many little antique shops, coffee houses, and other artsy stuff that it's mind-boggling. The only thing I don't like about it so far is that things tend to open early and close early. Not the best for night owls, but thankfully night owls can become sunrise chirpies (I just made that up, DIG IT).
Other than that, I haven't had any major problems with anything. I miss my friends and family back in Tennessee, but we keep in touch. I'm curling back into myself less and less and I've become utterly appalled by the amount of sad songs on my iPod. Things have gone from Winter Song by Sarah McLachlan to River of Dreams by Billy Joel. And for this, I am thankful.
I am so excited about your adventure! Your new part of the country has always called to me--and I've always ignored the call. I'm eager to read more as you discover more! Write, write, write--and include pictures when possible!
ReplyDeleteOh--by the way, your writing is beautiful and lyrical and gorgeous! Keep it up! I'm impressed.