Remembering Our Roots | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Remembering Our Roots

Sweet Home Alabaster

76
Remembering Our Roots
Facebook

One of the greatest losses I've suffered so far in this life was the loss of my dad's parents--the reason being that it was incredibly difficult to watch him go through losing his parents first-hand, especially at an age where I was just beginning to understand the harsh realities of life.

As I was 13 and in eighth-grade when it happened, I cried like a baby because I couldn't stand watching my dad hurt in a way I couldn't comprehend.

This was one of the first occasions of me feeling like I had lost a piece of my childhood that I'd never get back. A piece of my innocence had just disappeared without warning.

You see, I grew up spending summer vacations and long weekends at their home in Alabaster, which is about 20 miles south of Birmingham.

It was always a place I felt safe and loved. A place where I was spoiled and taken care of. A place I knew I could always go.

I spent my time here wandering around my grandmothers well-groomed garden--one that she had spent years cultivating. I would sit on the porch playing with my dolls, listening to the rain fall on the tin roof my grandmother had had intentionally installed just for the quality of that sound.

I'd watch old western movies with my grandfather in the living room, and late at night I would sneak to the porch fridge by the light of the moon and treat myself to the candy drawer my grandfather always kept stashed for me.

I'd sit on the counter and help my grandfather make sausage balls because that was our thing and he always gave in when I wanted to bake them. I'd rove around outside and pretend I was an explorer or a princess or just a girl that was lost trying to find her way home.

I'd roam around the basement looking at all the pictures and fabrics my grandmother had stashed over the years. I'd wake up in the morning to Eggo waffles and chocolate milk.

No place makes me feel quite this way. Like a kid again. Like nothing in the world can stop me. Like there isn't anything worse in the world than not getting dessert.

After my grandparents passed away, we kept the house and rented it out because it was a place that we weren't ready to part from.

Today my mom, dad, and I drove to Alabaster to look at the property because they are considering selling.

I haven't been here in 8 years.

And my friends, as I sit here on hearth in the room that I spent playing in for the first twelve years of my life, I can honestly say that I don't know how people do it. How they cope.

I don't know how my dad had the strength to hold it together when he lost both his parents. How he managed to deal with that kind of devastation.

How does one place affect you so much?

This is what I know.

It's not necessarily the place. It's the people that make it.

It's not the physical things, it's the heart behind it.

Those are the things you'll carry with you forever--the way people affect you and how much they loved you.

Dad, thank you for sharing your parents with me. Thank you for letting me go back to this place with you because it reminded me of where you come from and how much your parents loved you.

You come from a household of love and grace, and I couldn't ask for a better way to get to know my roots.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

14646
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6359
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4691
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4124
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments