On Dreams
I have a dream. I'm sitting on the couch, legs up, leaning back. Besides me is my wife, a girl way too good for me that for some reason stuck around. Surrounding us is the sound of children playing with their cousins, my Uncles talking to my friends while they make a drink, and the announcers of the big game. An apple crisp is baking in the oven. Damn, I love apple crisps.
Together we watch the sun set on Bodega Bay.
Bodega Bay has always been the place. A place where natural beauty, history, and great memories come together to form something special. A place that feels like home, even if you’ve never lived there.
When my family immigrated from Italy, they used to work on the dairy farms in the area. When I was little, my extended family started the tradition of renting a house there for a week every other thanksgiving. A full week of playing with cousins, watching football, and great food. I looked forward to those weeks more than anything.
As we got older, we started going more often. My family spent New Year’s there. My cousin and I would take day trips there to hike along the beach or visit our favorite deli in town for a burger. Just recently two of my favorite people in the world got engaged on that beach.
The dream is to build a home there. Not for me, but for the people that made that place so special. Somewhere where all the people I care about can come together, rest, have some fun, and not worry about finding a bed. A place with roots, that will last long after me. Something I can look back at in my final days, and know I did something for those that come after me, as my family has done for me.
It’s a long shot. Right now it is only scribbles in my notebook, but maybe, maybe, if I make enough money and do enough work, I can buy the land. Maybe with more work and I can build the house. And then, maybe, I can put my feet up, and enjoy an apple crisp while the sun sets.
Here’s to dreams.
This post was inspired by a youtube video. I highly recommend the video and the filmmaker who made it.