"The Wonder Years"

I have always considered myself a Chicago girl with a small stint in Strongsville, Ohio during those "wonder years", but with my heart always being in Chicago. I was born in Evanston and lived in Glenview. We moved to Strongsville in 1986. I was the tender age of 9 and entering the 4th grade. Even as a youth growing up in Ohio, I considered myself a transit of sorts - I was from Chicago. I prided myself on these roots- Chicago was where I was going since it was where I came from. I applied to only Chicago area colleges and went early decision to good old LFC. I was bound and determined to end up in Chicago. In fact, I have now officially lived more of my life in Chicago with a grand total of 21 years.

Despite my allegiance to the big windy city, I thoroughly enjoyed growing up in Ohio. I valued the small town feel - although Strongsville is not really that small, especially now with a current population of approximately 43,000. It has the makings of the perfect Midwestern town, especially in the early 90's. I have such fond memories of growing up there, particularly during my junior high and high school years. I loved Friday night football games and especially homecoming, the major fall event. I loved the rib burn off that always officially ended the summer. I even adored post basketball evenings at the Ground Round with my cheer leading squad and the basketball players. Those were truly great times.

This past week was the first time in many years that I have spent an extended stay in Strongsville. My mom no longer lives in the house I grew up in and the town has changed so much since my time. However, just being there brought back many great memories - driving down Pearl Road seeing Center Junior High which apparently has not changed a bit at least from the outside, reminded me of being in 7th grade where I met two of my closet childhood friends, Dina and Callie. It not only made me recall a time of permed hair and big bangs, mind you we wore it well, it made me think of the years and people that shaped my life. That 9 year stint was the "wonder years" - it was a time of change and growing. Some of those years were the most difficult of my life with losing my father at the age of 16, it was a time of uncertainty and naivety. It was not only my dear family that allowed me to overcome and mature so much, it was also my friendships. I was blessed to be surrounded by great company - we appreciated each other and had so much fun along the way. As the saying goes, "Oh I get by with a little help from my friends...." For me, it really does sum up my "wonder years"...

So, as I return to my home in Chicago today, I reflect on what is home and where is my heart? No doubt it is here in Chi-town with my beloved hubby and sweet baby girl. However, as I spent a wonderful time in Strongsville with my family and saw one of my oldest and dearest friends, Dina, it made me realize Ohio will always have a piece of my heart and those memories will always be home to me...