As a native of Staten Island, New York, I often describe it as the borough that time forgot, and there’s a reason for that. After moving away for four years, I returned with a newfound appreciation for its unchanging nature. I never envisioned myself back in my hometown, let alone raising my son here. Although I cherished my upbringing, I felt I had outgrown this place and couldn’t see it as a suitable environment for my child.
Life, however, has a way of bringing you back to your roots. Now that I’m back in my familiar surroundings, I find comfort in the fact that many things remain the same. The bakery I frequented after school is still in operation, the barbershop still stands on the corner, and the hardware store hasn’t changed one bit.
While some businesses have come and gone, I recall the establishments that once occupied those spaces. The Sri Lankan restaurant that used to be a dry cleaner where my friend’s mother worked, and the laundromat that was previously a health food store where I bought my favorite sparkling soda. Just last month, the hair salon I visited as a child closed its doors.
The places I now take my son to are reminiscent of my childhood favorites. It’s magical to witness him enjoying these spots just as I did at his age. Most of our activities occur within walking distance, with a playground and library nearby that provide ample opportunities for fun.
I spent countless hours at our local library, engrossed in books and attending special events. As a child, I was a dedicated reader, and we often left with a stack of the latest Baby-Sitters Club novels. Though my son is still young and not quite as passionate about reading, he loves visiting the library, eagerly asking to go at least twice a week to explore the play area—a delightful improvement since my childhood. I often find myself reminiscing in the same beanbag chairs, lost in nostalgia as we enjoy time together.
He adores being outdoors and frequently requests to visit the playground, which holds special memories for me as well. On adventurous days, we take the bus to another park I loved as a child, and the comforting truth is that neither park has significantly changed over the past 20 years.
I’m convinced that the giant slide at the playground is the same one from my youth. My son has just gained the confidence to go down it on his own, and I stand at the bottom like my mother once did. We share the swings, with him on my lap as I push us higher, his joyous laughter ringing in my ears.
After our playtime, we take leisurely strolls along the lake, feeding the geese and ducks Cheerios—an activity that never gets old. In the summer, he enjoys playing in the sprinkler, a place that evokes fond memories of my own childhood scrapes and slips.
Out of all our outings, our visits to the Children’s Museum are the most cherished. I can hardly believe how much it still resembles the place I loved as a child. Although there have been some updates, the room called “Block Harbor” remains unchanged—a space filled with blocks and a reading nook, topped off with the bow of a giant ship.
Walking into that room with my son transported me back in time. The colors and the ship were just as I remembered, sparking waves of nostalgia. This was my favorite spot in the entire museum, and it often becomes our go-to area. There have been moments when I’ve had to carry him out in tears when closing time arrived. Sometimes, it feels like we are worlds apart, and then moments like these remind me that he is indeed my child.
Sharing these treasured moments with him and seeing these familiar places through his eyes is a profound joy. To him, they are fresh and new experiences. I hope he creates lasting memories and, one day, if these places still exist when he becomes a father, he’ll bring his children to relive his childhood moments.
Although my hometown may not have been my initial plan for this stage of my life, I’m genuinely grateful to share these experiences and beloved locations with my son. For those interested in starting their own family journeys, consider checking out resources on artificial insemination, such as Boost Fertility Supplements and At-Home Insemination Kit. Additionally, the CDC provides excellent information on pregnancy at CDC Pregnancy.
Summary: Returning to my hometown to raise my son has allowed me to revisit cherished memories and share them with him. Despite the changes and constant evolution of life, the comfort of familiarity brings joy as we explore the same beloved places I frequented as a child.
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