I was in the Adirondacks in July braving the cool weather. The temp was in the 70’s, locals were complaining about the heat, and I’m reaching for a parka. Clearly, my blood is thinner. In spite of the chill, I go back home throughout the year except in Winter. The CEO nixed Winter trips even though she was the Lake Placid Snow Princess in college. For me home is where family and friends gather no matter where that is even if it’s not warm.
Of all the different places I’ve lived I still call Ticonderoga my home. I reflect a lot on growing up there; it was and still is a special place for me. I think about it a lot more these days while I’m sitting around doctors’ offices or waiting for the next PET scan results. It’s not so much my old house I think about, but the people who passed through it who created the warm memories I cherish today. I hope your home is like that too. Not all homes are filled with warmth, however, some have cold dark memories worth forgetting. That’s not your home; your home is the place which forever brings warmth to your soul.
After high school I couldn’t wait to leave; home had become too stifling. When I got to college, however, I missed home and all its comfort. Waiting for the semester to end at Christmas break felt like an eternity. That’s called growing up. I relived the yearning for home every holiday until Diane and I married and raised our own family. Home changed locations. A generation later my sons and their high school friends’ war cry became, “gettin’ the hell out of Naples.” In spite of those chants I now see them regularly back in town now hanging out at our house with their own children. Home is where we gather with family and friends, not so much where we once were.
The house in Ticonderoga seems smaller now, but warmer from the memories. Those memories thankfully gave me goals I doubted I’d ever meet. When I first got cancer in 1987 I set a goal to live long enough to make my 10th High School Reunion in 1989. I made it then and in 1999, 2009, and 2019. I’ve done the same with other plans including Diane and I celebrating anniversaries, our sons graduating from college, them getting married, having children. So, one day I woke up and discovered I survived cancer for 35 years. Envisioning yourself in the future will put you there regardless of your troubles. Yes, it’s awful to get injured or sick, but that’s the past – so stop living in it. You’ll recover quicker and live longer when you plan on being in the future with family and friends. That’s called home. So no matter what season in your life you find yourself, no matter what is ailing you, go home. The rest of your life is waiting for you there. Slainte.
I only knew the town as Ticonderoga. I met a young lady who introduced me to calling it Ti. Seems more of a home as Ti.
All the best Peter
I agree; spending all of your time pronouncing Ticonderoga would cut into the Molson / Genesee time.
Beautiful Pete.
Reminds me of my grandfather’s apple orchard at home in Germantown.
My brother did a submarine dive into his pond when I was 4 years old.
I ran in grandpa’s home and he pulled my brothers muddy head out of the pond before he drowned.
Thanks for sparking the memories of home.
Marc
sláinte agatsa
Another special post, Home is definitely with with our loved ones, family and friends. Oh, and now this is my favorite ❤️
Peter – You write so well and always from the heart. I enjoy your short stories. Please keep on writing! Fondly, Carol
Carol, a lot of my great memories are from working at the old Moses Ludington Hospital. Many wonderful people there gave the reason to work in hospitals. Best, Pete
Anima 💜
I saw this quote once…
“The greatest work you will ever do will be within the walls of your home.”
You’ve done that!
😊🍀
Thanks for reading and commenting. Writing these posts have been good for me too. Slainte.
Another home 🏡 run Pete
After spending a lot of time away from family and friends marines, government contractor in Germany and south Korea
17 years total. Missed out on alot. Was good to live in Ticonderoga for a few years. But due to circumstances it was off and on my way again. Spent the last 14 years driving from Maine/New Hampshire to visit family and Friends.
I will end with a shout out all who stay in touch. Email mysnafu86@gmail.com
In the tough times of my own battle. I as well would take myself back home to upstate New York. By the way of meditation, As I would vision myself in a snow cavern that I would dig with friends in the Winter time were only peace and safety could enter.
Home is were the heart 💙 is.
You are absolutely right; you can find peace and home anyway, but especially in the ADK
Richard, you if anyone has seen a lot of places. I always enjoy seeing you in Ti. Pete
Thank you, once again….HOME❣️💕❣️🍀
I feel your love of Ticonderoga through your latest blog. Many, many happy memories of being at your home except for the night a bunch of us (we were juniors or seniors in HS) took the green wagon to Bulwagga Bay. When we got back to your house at 3:00 a.m., we pushed the car up the driveway with the lights off. We went inside and your parents were sitting in the livingroom. 😱😱😱. You are so inspirational, Peter…I so look forward to your weekly blogs. They definitely come from your heart! ☘️☘️☘️
Wendy, I’d have no idea how my parents would have heard you guys pushing the station wagon down the driveway at 3:00 am with all the yelling, swearing, and laughing going on
That was so AWESOME and true. ANGELS WATCHING OVER YOU AND FAMILY.
Beverly, thanks for always reading and staying in touch. What’s your prediction for the Browns this year? Pete
Pete, thanks for your thoughtful reflection on “home”. I completely agree and now this seems more relevant. Hope you are well and let’s catch up soon.
Bruce, thanks for reading and commenting. By the looks of your travel schedule, your home is international. Be well. Pete
Home is where ever you are.❤️☘️🪳
Home is where we are and whoever is with us. XXXX
A beautiful post, Pete and so true. We’ve all wanted to leave home when we couldn’t, and yearned for the familiar warmth of home when we matured. It’s a profound revelation when you realize that “home is truly where the heart is. Like Dorothy said, “there’s no place like home.”🏡
Jane, 7 Church Street had all of the best elements of home throughout the year. Slainte!
I can remember, growing up in Chuluota, swearing I would never live there! I would never raise my kids there! What is there, nothing is what I thought. Ends up everything is there, I raised my children there, and now I live six houses down from where I grew up where my mom still lives..You’re right coming home wherever it is, where all your loved ones and your family are is what counts! I love you guys stay well!
Fran, life often proves us wrong. Slainte!
Wonderful post
Pete this is so true! Your perspective on life is a breath of fresh air. I will always call Ti home because that’s were the story began (and Walt is there). I have many places that my memories continue & like you said it’s because of the people, not necessarily blood, that I consider family!
Always push forward and live life to its fullest! You are a true inspiration! Slainte 🍻
Mary, I’m impressed you are up so early. I don’t remember that when Sheila and you were in high school. Other than hangovers, Ti always produced the greatest memories. Pete