Number 1: Margie Suarez
She called me last week at 7:45 a.m. to tell me that she missed me. Forty-five minutes and a half dozen words from me later, we hung up. Ode to one of the world's greatest talkers.
Matt and I picked Margie up every Sunday for church and from the minute she got in the car until the minute she got out, she never stopped talking--mostly about who should be in the church that isn't and who in the church isn't doing what they should. Matt calls her a "soldier for the Lord" and loves to tell the story of the time we picked her up to babysit Madeline (one of the few people that I trust with Maddy implicitly) and she was wearing red sweats and big black furry, over-the-pant boots. She did a half pirouette as she got in the car. What a woman.
When Matt interviewed for this job in Charlotte, the CFO (who also lived in Philly for a time) told him that Charlotte was clean and nice, but it didn't have the character. I miss the character, and no one personifies it like Margie.
Number 2: The historic stuff
The Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin everything, people in funny hats....
Number 3: Our Seminary Kids
Although, the kids here are more polite. I introduced myself to a boy at church last week as Shelley McConkie and he started laughing and said, "Oh, I wouldn't call you that Sister McConkie!" The thought of calling an adult by their first name was incredible to him.
But, I miss feeling like I am contributing. You know how when you first get to a place you feel like you are missing something and you blame it on location or being new or not knowing where the nearest grocery store is but it is secretly the feeling that you are not yet needed in the place that you moved to and even if you were, you wouldn't know what place you needed to fill yet. It is an innate human need to feel needed. And even though the youth in Philly were often disrespectful, too cool and sometimes downright antagonistic, teaching them in seminary or Sunday school felt important. It was quietly thrilling to be the first person to teach them about the restoration or resurrection or respect. I miss them. And I miss teaching.
Number 4: Daisy at the front desk
She knew all of our names and if we had packages waiting or not and she always, without fail, left big old red kiss marks on Maddy's cheeks. When I was pregnant with Madeline she told me every day as I walked in, "She's a poppin'" in a loud enough voice to fill the lobby. Who would not love coming home to a greeting like that?
Number 5: Friends
And lastly, before you all get bored of this entry (I blame all my genetically pre-dispositioned desire to reminisce on my father)...
Number 6: Boathouse Row
Crew, rollarblading, beautiful walks, the guy who always sold pretzels and bottled water by the sidewalk (I never bought anything from him but it was always nice to know that he was there, you know? Just in case I decided that dry, overly salted, too-dense bread with B-grade mustard sounded good to me). I think I took it for granted that we lived in such close proximity to beauty. A great view is good for the soul. Beauty is a necessary part of living well.
10 comments:
Don't worry, ya'll are missed too.
or should i say "youz" are missed?
the Montgomery's
Shelley,
You've put tears in my eyes . . .
If I had a list, you'd be at the top of mine!
Miss you,
Michelle
Shelley, Jenn and I loved Philly too. It's definitely a city with some spice to it. The Wharton friends we made are definitely at the top of our list of things we miss.
Rob Stanger
it's been a year for us and we're still working on "being needed". It was so easy to do in philly where there were so many to help and so many ready to help you in return...entering back into "real" society has been a challenge. i think our school experience changed us for the better, but it is sad to see everyone spread like the seeds from a dandelion! thanks for the pics
Shelley, I've heard enough people complain about Philly, that it's a breath of fresh air to read of your love and appreciation for it. I always said the city had more treasures than trolls, and loved the idea that you, Matt and Madi were in the lovely yellow apartments overlooking the museum. I'll always remember meeting you for the first time on the streets of the Italian market, and remembering how much brighter subsequent visits were as we perused museums with you, dined with you, broke that delicious homemade bread with you....
Sigh, there's a little less brotherly love in the city without the McConkies there, BUT
If there's somewhere that everyone should live (or visit for an extended period), it's the proper South, the South as it was meant to be.. specifically the Carolinas or Savannah, Georgia. You'll soon have the Henriods (Sara Pratt), the Trendlers (Chris and Toria) and other delightful couples enhancing your new state. And if there's someone who will ALWAYS be needed... it's you.
What beautiful sentiments! It does take awhile to get adjusted to a new city, to find friends, those favorite places, and yes, to feel needed. You are not needed in the same way as in Philly, but still needed nonetheless. I miss that you are now 6 hours instead of 2 hours away. I'm sure by the time you leave NC you'll have a similar post about why you love it there. That's your gift - to just love everything and everyone.
We absolutely loved Philly, although we probably had an artificially charmed existence there. When I think back about Philly, I always remember the little things, like the very angry Turk who works the cash register at Abner's, boorish Eagles fans in the fall, watching the trains going underground at 20th street with the boys, Rita's, the pig at Reading Terminal, the cool little stripe through the transit tokens, the country flags along Ben Franklin, random parades at least once a month, seeing if will get so cold that the Delaware freezes, the list goes on and on.
Shelley--mostly I miss that you're not so close anymore. Your post made me want to slow down a little bit and enjoy the things that come with living in a big city. More precisely, enjoy the things that come with living in the hood. Maybe I shouldn't spend most of my day pretending I live somewhere else.
Shelley,
How can anyone really comment after S.A.S.? Geesh -- here's a few very poorly worded and probably not very entertaining thoughts...
1. I'm going to correct Marc everytime he calls it Filthadelphia from now on.
2. Joe, I'm glad you brought up Rita's. It has only crossed my lips twice, but I'm hooked.
3. Rebecca, you are on the right track. Stop pretending you live on the UES.
4. I'm so excited for you guys and the upcoming McConkie adventures! Thanks for a great post!
Marc and I had the pleasure of driving Margie Suarez up to Palmyra, NY the other weekend and we were delighted to hear about the bond and love she had with you and your family. She talked so much about your dear family! So be assured, the affection is reciprocated! ~Natalie Tolley
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