Dear Washingtonville, NY,
Every time I make the twelve-hour drive or the two-hour flight to come and visit you, I become filled with much joy and anticipation at what I'm going to see. I always end up wondering what has changed or what will look different from when I was last there. I've seen some of my favorite family-owned stores change into bigger, chain-owned stores. I've seen those restaurants I loved as a kid be torn down to be replaced with some other food establishment that isn't quite as good. However, even with all of these changes, I've come to realize that some things will not ever really change with you.
Visiting my old neighborhood where I grew up is always something I look forward too. Even though, this neighborhood is as old as I am (20 years), nothing ever seems to change. There are always the row of townhouses that stand just a little too closely to one another. There's always the cul-de-sac where little kids ride their bikes up and down the road and most importantly: there is always my old house standing there as small and as quaint as ever. I will always treasure the memories made in that house and will always love that this is where I grew up.
Weir's ice cream: the local ice cream shop that has truly grown into one of the hangouts for both teens and families over the years. Serving amazing soft-serve ice cream and having the charm of a family-owned business is what I look forward too every single year. I'm so happy that it has stayed standing through the few years I've been gone. You, my dear Washingtonville, are known for this one particular ice cream spot and it's one of the constants I've grown to love and cherish as well.
The Airplane park where my sister, cousins and I would go to play, appropriately named for the large airplane that stands in the middle of the field, is ever standing and growing. Even though there has been changes made to include more play equipment, it is still the same old park that I've been going too since before I even knew it. Washingtonville, you've given us this park to help us spend time with our families and be pushed on the swings until we could do so ourselves and to enjoy the slides and the bridges. Pretending we were pirates or princesses were my sister's and I's favorite pastime and more often than not, this occurred here at this park.
My old elementary school where I met my amazing best friend and had so many teachers who not only influenced me back then, but continue to do so today is another local spot that I always enjoy visiting. Taft Elementary School was where I encountered many friends, teachers and memories that have truly helped shaped me into who I am today. Watching this school stay the same and stay standing has been absolutely joyful to see for the pure fact that if it ever got torn down to be rebuilt, the memories would stay, but not being able to see where they took place would be tragic.
Having to leave my hometown with my neighborhood, my friends and my family was scary and was one of the bigger changes I've endured in my life. However, coming back to visit you helps to remind me that some things truly never do change.
Until next time Washingtonville.
