As a native of Staten Island, New York, I often describe it as the borough that time forgot, and for good reason. I always knew that things didn’t change much here, but I truly grasped the extent of this when I was away for four years.
Honestly, I never anticipated returning to my hometown, let alone raising my son where I spent my own childhood. It’s not that my hometown is a bad place; rather, I thought I had outgrown it completely. Yet, life has a way of bringing us back to our roots.
Now, I find comfort in the familiarity of my surroundings. The bakery where I used to grab treats after school is still there, as is the corner barbershop and the long-standing hardware store. Some businesses have changed, but I still reminisce about what once occupied those spaces—like the Sri Lankan restaurant that used to be a dry cleaner where my friend’s mom worked or the health food store that was once my go-to for sparkling soda.
The places I take my son to are often the same ones I cherished in my youth. There’s a certain magic in this experience. I love watching him enjoy the playground and library that were once my own favorite spots. Most of our adventures take place within our neighborhood, where we have a playground and a library just a short walk away.
As a child, I spent countless hours at our local library, devouring books and attending special events. I was an avid reader, never leaving without a stack of Baby-Sitters Club novels. My son, while not quite as enthusiastic about reading just yet, still delights in our library visits, asking to go at least twice a week. He loves the play area, which has improved since my childhood, and sometimes he even picks out a book. I find myself sitting in those same beanbag chairs, savoring the nostalgia of my own childhood in the presence of his youthful curiosity.
His love for the outdoors is evident, and he wishes to visit the playground nearly every day. The playground we frequent is the same one I visited with my dad, and on adventurous days, we take the bus to another park I spent a lot of time at. The comfort of familiarity is overwhelming; neither park has changed much in over two decades. The giant slide at the far park is still there, and my son has just begun to conquer it solo while I stand at the bottom, just like my mom did years ago. We share the swings, him perched in my lap as I push us higher and higher. “Faster, Mommy! Let’s go!” he squeals, his little hands gripping the chains tightly.
After our playground escapades, we stroll by the lake, feeding the ducks and geese Cheerios, a highlight of our day. In the summer, he enjoys running through the sprinklers in the same spot where I remember slipping and scraping my knees.
Our favorite destination, however, is the Children’s Museum. I can hardly believe how little it has changed since my childhood. While some exhibits have been updated, the “Block Harbor” room, filled with blocks and a reading nook, remains untouched. Walking into that room with my son transported me back in time; the colors, the ship, even the familiar scent brought back memories. The nostalgia washed over me as we played together, reminding me of my own cherished moments in that space. My son has cried when it’s time to leave, just as I once did.
Sharing these experiences with him and watching him discover the same places that hold such vivid memories for me is incredibly special. To him, they are new and exciting, while to me, they are steeped in history. I hope he carries these memories with him, and that one day, if he becomes a father himself, he will bring his children to the places where he grew up, and they will marvel at the stories he has to share.
Although my hometown wasn’t the place I envisioned for myself at this stage in life, I’m grateful for the opportunity to create and share these lasting memories with my son. For those interested in fertility and family planning, you might find it helpful to explore boost fertility supplements or check out this excellent resource on donor insemination. For more insights on parenting, you can visit Modern Family Blog.
In summary, revisiting my hometown as a parent has been a unique and enriching experience. It offers a blend of nostalgia and new memories, allowing my son to discover the magic of a place that shaped my childhood.