Frisco tracks, Webster Groves

MY SUMMER TRIP BACK HOME

On Thursday, August 2, I had a smooth, fast flight from Hartford to St. Louis, marred only by a surprisingly forceful bump when the wheels touched down. I picked up my white Toyota rental and drove to Al and Mary Anne’s, where we had our usual cheerful reunion. Al and I then drove to Mom’s assisted-living home, which I was very impressed with. She’s living in comfort and security – and elegance, too. She seemed nervous and withdrawn, but it didn’t bother me as much as I thought it might. She’s like a leaf turning golden in the autumn – shriveling, shrinking, one day (perhaps years from now) falling in order to allow the “tree of life” to regenerate itself.

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For lunch, Al, Mary Anne, and I enjoyed a traditional burger feast at our beloved Steak ‘n’ Shake. Al and I then took Mom for a drive through some of the old cherished neighborhoods, and we finished off the day with a revitalizing swim at the Webster pool with Maura, Grace, and Mary Anne.

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On Friday, I spent several hours with Mom, just being quietly with her. We didn’t talk much, but it was nice just to be in the presence of this woman whose boundless energy and loving strength has surrounded me for all these years. For lunch, Al, Mary Anne, and I enjoyed splendid barbecue sandwiches from a local deli (a specialty on the weekends), and later in the day I took Mom for a ride out to see Don, Maysie, and Emily, just before they departed for their vacation in Florida. In the evening, just before descending to my utterly inviting suite in the basement, Al and I enjoyed a wonderful conversation about grammar and rhetoric, two of my favorite subjects!

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On Saturday morning, I rode Al’s fat-tire bike along the quiet streets of Webster to a small park, where some of the extended Salsich family gathered for soccer, ice-water, and conversation. It was a hot morning, and the young children’s faces quickly became flushed with the early heat. Al and Gary Jr. worked hard to keep the games going, whereas I stayed fairly cool in the shade and talked with my nieces and nephews. It was hot but happy time for all of us.

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Throughout my stay, I loved riding Al’s old, uncomplicated bike. I rode in the fairly pleasant air of the early morning when the streets seemed comfortable for riding. It was great fun to cruise through the old neighborhoods again – places I loved as a small, adventurous boy. I felt, in fact, somewhat like a boy as I pedaled along – as though the years had peeled back and I was twelve again and as free as a summer breeze. I often climbed hills on the bike – not especially steep ones, but long enough to give me a good workout. I always had to stand up, pushing the pedals down as hard as I could. I felt strong, though, and I recovered fairly quickly as I rested and chugged water at the top. I recall one magical moment at the top of a hill where I could look down a slope and see a slow freight train rolling along. It was a very long train – over a hundred cars, for sure. I wiped the sweat from my face and swallowed lots of water as I watched the big cars rumble past. I’ve always loved trains, so these were a thrilling few moments for me. Again, I felt like it was ’57 instead of ’07, and I was once again a footloose and carefree kid.

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On Saturday night, Al, Mary Anne, Pete, Barbara, and I enjoyed a fine meal at a restaurant in Kirkwood. It was so good to be with my beloved brothers and their loved ones once again.