As it turns out, you can go home again.
We had four hours to spare before it was time to head to the Miami airport. What should we do? My brother, Mike, suggested we visit our childhood home. What a great idea, everyone was on board.
Growing up, our home was so special. Even as an adult living in Bethesda I never wanted my parents to sell it. I didn’t want to lose that physical connection to a part of my childhood.
When we pulled up, the first thing I noticed was how tall the trees had grown over the last 20 years. As the four of us stood there, the memories came flooding back.
Playing tag in the back yard with my neighborhood friends. Swinging from the tree branches like Tarzan. Shooting hoops in our driveway where I spent hours dreaming of my NBA career.
More importantly, all the meals at the dinner table. Dad got home every day at 6:15 and by 6:30 it was dinner time. There were no cell phones back then. The entire family was “present” and we had wonderful conversations.
These memories were important moments that became the foundation of my positive outlook on life. Houses are made from brick and mortar but homes are made through shared experiences with loved ones. Growing up in a happy home has taught me that helping others find theirs is the most important thing I can do.
As we were about to leave, I stared at the far right corner of the house. That is where my bedroom was. I wondered, who lives in my room now?
Then a funny thought came over me. Here I am standing in front of my childhood home on my 60th birthday. What if I could go back in time and tell my 16 year old self just one thing, what would it be? ”Sorry kid, you’re not going to the NBA, but keep your positive outlook and Good Things will Happen”.
