One summer in high school, I had a job working at a bagel shop, making sandwiches and specialty coffee drinks for customers who often came in with strong opinions as they constructed their ideal sandwich. Which is why I still remember the day a woman walked in and directed me to “make a sandwich—whatever sounds good.”
I fumbled. “Do you like turkey?” I asked hesitantly.
“Sure,” she said. “You really can’t do this wrong. I make food for my family all day, and I just want someone to make me a sandwich, so I don’t have to think.”
I made the best sandwich I could and sent it her way. My teenage self didn’t give the odd interaction too much thought, but some 20 years later, I completely identify with that woman.
Caregiving for small children has provided me with the most beautiful moments of my life, but it’s also brought me to the point beyond exhaustion—a point where I can barely remember my name, let alone figure out what I want to eat for lunch.
I’ve always wanted to be a mother, and I’m so grateful that my dream became a reality, yet sometimes I just need a minute to myself to remember who I am separate from the young people my life is currently built around. This was my inspiration as I wrote about some of my favorite places in the area for the Editor’s Picks in our first annual Best of Cities South issue.
While it was fun to write that feature, it was really enlightening to see the results of our first Best of Cities South Readers’ Choice Poll. I don’t want to spoil the results, but you’ve given me an entire list of places I need to try.
In fact, as I put this issue together, I realized it’s been too long since I’ve been to Caponi Art Park. I also need to mark my calendar for free outdoor concerts in Apple Valley, and I really don’t want to miss out on watching Pan-O-Prog’s new cricket tournament. My summer fun list is basically complete. What’s on your list this summer?
