Whenever we pass through C’ville, somewhat irrationally since I spent the majority of my life in South Carolina, it feels like I am coming home. The mountain views, the unique scent, the architecture all cause nostalgia to wash over me.
Well. It isn’t completely irrational since my parents went to school in Charlottesville. I was born in Charlottesville. My very first memory is in Charlottesville. I broke my arm in Charlottesville. My siblings and I used to climb the ancient magnolias and hide in the giant boxwoods at UVa. Once my father told me that the center of the Rotunda was also the center of the Universe, and I believed him. For a long time.
So, when parents and children were able to rendezvous for Mama’s birthday weekend in Charlottesville, my heart was happy. And, it meant I could introduce my daughter to the locations of some of my favorite childhood memories: calling the ducks, playing football on the Lawn, climbing trees, exploring gardens; plus a few new memories: visiting my grandmother, enjoying a birthday breakfast at the Grove Park Inn. It was good.
