Chicago will forever remind me of you. I can still see your eyes lighting up like a child as the city backdrop seemed to embrace you when you proclaimed, "Welcome to my city!" (with an emphasis on the my!)
America was not your birthplace and, truth be told, Chicago could more accurately be deemed my city considering I grew up only a short drive from the place; nonetheless I was totally convinced. As you walked your awkward walk down the sidewalks, leading the way to all your favorite spots and then made yourself at home ordering expensive bottles of white wine at upscale restaurants for lunch, it felt to me as if this truly was a city that belonged only to you.
We followed your lead through the sculpture park by the pier and sat with coffees, people and dog watching by the lake with the locals. In the evenings, we enjoyed Gallo al Vino on the Italian side of town and the three of us were comrades and partners in crime. In Chicago and out, we had a surrogate family feeling toward each other. We were the best of friends.
It's been years since an icy road in a far away place took you away from your wife and friends. Today I was thinking of Chicago which always makes me think of you. I know I am not the only one.
Beautiful and sad. It's sort of magical the way we become so ingrained in a place, such a part of it, that it becomes us.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day girl! xoxo