Friday, October 19, 2007



GOODBYE, LITTLE STORE

We moved to this "village", technically a neighborhood, 14 days before my son, Rojo, was born. When he began crying and didn't stop for a year and a half, I couldn't take him anywhere except "The Little Store" that was around the corner from my house. I was there daily. Postage stamps, cash, beer, wine, coffee, snacks, they had everything I could possibly need, and I didn't have to load the kids in the car to get there.

Rojo's first trip there was in the back of my brand new double stroller. His 2-year-old sister was buckled in the front, he lay sprawled (and screaming) in the back. He was so new he still had his umbilical cord stump.

Tomorrow is "The Little Store's" last day under the original owners. I can't help thinking an era is over. There will be new owners, villagers, actually, and I'm sure it will be wonderful, but it won't be the same. These owners haven't watched Rojo grow since the day he came in with his "stump" over eleven years ago.

As we moved through our journey with Rojo, they moved with us. His progress, lack of progress, the owners, Carol and Gary, have watched and listened. They have literally, seen him grow up right before their eyes.

Tomorrow I take the kids to say good-bye. I was hoping they'd continue to watch and listen as Rojo reaches milestones along the way. I even had illusions that he'd bring his own little boy in the store twenty years from now, the umbilical stump still attached to his newborn, and show Carol and Gary what a great man/father he'd become. Full circle, you know, that kind of thing.

It's so true, it takes a village to raise a child, and we thank all of you for being in our village, both literally and electronically.

love.

7 comments:

Jerri said...

Tell them your electronic village appreciates their care for you and Rojo.

And good luck to the new owners. The've picked quite a neighborhood to move into. Blessings to all.

Michelle O'Neil said...

You, with your little store and your Safeway, and your Rojo(and his stump).

So sweet.

Suzy said...

Beautiful piece Carrie.

Love.
Suzy

Anonymous said...

Carrie,
I just love this post!! It is such a sweet story about the importance of community and our "other family members." I hope the goodbye with the kids goes OK.
XOXO

kario said...

Imagine what depth you've brought to their experience in that 'village' over the years! What gifts you've all given each other. May the relationship with the new owners be as sweet.

Deb Shucka said...

What a blessing for you all that this checkered village was there. Looking forward to hearing how the new village meets the new needs of your family as it is now.

Anonymous said...

Could you please remove the "Pappa's Grocery Store" photo, or credit "James Van Dellen . Futuregringo.com" as your source.

This image is from http://www.futuregringo.com/index.php/2006/11/24/pappas-grocery-store/

It's considered proper etiquette to acknowledge your photo sources if using from another site. I'm happy to have it used, just please give me credit.

Many thanks - james...