30 Years in a Defining Place

A house truly becomes a home as we recognize it as a vessel holding the experiences we hold dear and that make us who we are.

So it was definitely a defining day in my life 30 years ago on Saturday, November 28, 1992, when my family moved to the house on Clarence Avenue in Oak Park, a special place that is the core of who I am.

To celebrate and party like it's 1992 all over again, I reflect on 30 memories of this place:

1. It was a delightful day when we rode down Harlem Avenue to Sid's at 111th Street and returned home with an apple tree and a cherry tree and then plant them, and see them appear so splendidly to the side of the house for many years.

2. I enjoyed playing the Carmen Sandiego computer games as I traveled through the USA, the world, and through time.

3. Among the major events I saw live on TV was Pope Francis's election in 2013.

4. I also extensively watched live coverage of Pope Francis's trip to the USA in 2015.

5. Block parties are a good time to get together with the neighbors. One year, different families took turns hosting gatherings at their houses, beyond our block parties.  One day in June, likely in 2010, we hosted an ice cream social for the block, which I'm fairly certain was Dad's idea.

6. I have such fond memories of celebrating my 8th grade graduation at home, first, a dinner on the evening before the ceremony on 6-8-2005, with Grandma Dottie present, and then a celebration with more family on the Sunday evening that followed.

7. A few months after 8th grade graduation, on 10-15-2005, we had a great dinner at home to celebrate my Confirmation after the Mass.

8. We had a splendid celebratory dinner at home after my MLIS graduation ceremony on 5-8-2016, with food from Grape Leaves.

9. Throughout 6th grade, I always looked forward to coming home after school on Friday each week and getting into weekend mode by watching Liberty's Kids.

10.  During the summers of elementary school, after going to Maze Branch Library for more books and to check in my summer reading program progress, upon arriving home, with my head still in a book, I'd remove my shoes and get comfortable in a living room chair.

11. On Memorial Day weekend--likely the day itself--in 2014, we had a family gathering.  After singing to Mom for her birthday, we all sang "Happy Birthday" to Ava shortly before she turned 1.

12. Finding Teddy as a little boy brought me long-lasting comfort and joy.

13. Over the many years growing up, I became acquainted with new technology, like the time I watched a DVD for the first time, the animated version of the movie 102 Dalmatians.  I even learned you don't have to rewind a DVD after I hit the rewind button and waited for it, and nothing happened.

14. The January 1999 blizzard was a pretty epic weather event as we hunkered inside and kept cozy while snow raged all around us outside.
15. I always liked the baking of sweet breads, like orange bread, cinnamon bread, or even cinnamon rolls, especially when Mom did it spontaneously.  I'm fairly certain taht's where I picked up my knack for baking these breads for my RE class.

16. I had so much fun creating Brio train layouts, surely because of my intense interest in trains.

17. And I definitely liked having fun with Playmobile toys.

18. At one point, we put up an awning on the deck during the warmer months.  After it rained, a pool of water collected in a pouch, and I had fun taking a broom and poking at it, to let the water empty.

19. With inheritance money from Uncle Arnold, my parents had a Sunroom attached to the back of the house on the deck, which has been a wonderful space for us realized in various purposes.

20. It was a thrill to see horse-drawn wagon rides come down our block as part of the Fall Fest festivities at Rehm Park, usually on a Sunday in September.

21. Each autumn, the tree out front enters into autumn mode with brilliant red leaves.

22. I remember the day back in the 1990's when I first watched Arthur, and I watched many more great episodes in the succeeding years.

23. In December, we add a festive touch by creating St. Nicholas Square layouts, which I enjoy.

24. Watching the annual National Memorial Day Concert on PBS is a cherished custom on the Sunday prior to the holiday each year that helps set the tone for us to honor the occasion.

25. Watching the annual July 4 concert, A Capitol Fourth, on PBS is another great annual custom.

26. I had wonderful times with bedtime reading with Mom and Dad on alternating nights. After Bible and other spiritual reading, we spent time with a range of books, from picture books to the sophisticated, like the Federalist Papers, inspired by Our Country's Founders.

27. It always fills with me with great delight to see the blooming of the peonies each year in late spring/early summer.

28. After getting so homesick going away to college, my first weekend visit home in September was a truly joyful experience reconnecting back with this beloved place.

29. It has been a great delight to welcome to this home so many friends I've made in college, including Zach when we were off on Thanksgiving Break during our 2nd year at ValpU, Richard during Spring Break later that year, the Ruggabers after I graduated, and even Rogenique, Roy, and Matthew earlier this year most recently.

30. I have so many fond memories of holiday gatherings here.  One that truly stands out was Thanksgiving Day 2008.  Carol Finnegan, a fellow Ascension parishioner, was present, and so were Brian Aden and his fellow Navy comrades.

Throughout these experiences is a common thread of connecting with other people and the world at large through the familiar setting of this place that has seen so much.  It is truly become a home because of the life we have shared here, and how we have extended that to others who have come through the doors.  And in our lives here we have known the love God first showed us in Christ, and that He gives in a special way for families to share together.

In all the memories I have listed above, and so many others, I feel great comfort and abundant joy, which are hallmarks of this home.  No matter where I go in life, I will always think of this home in this way.

Indeed, in this place, we have realized the gift of God's presence, Who is the giver of all gifts, and how we have been gift to each other in our family, and all those who have come here.

Thanks be to God!

This dearly beloved house has truly been a home, where we have truly made a life.