True Colors

By Susan Knight

 

 

Everyone always asks me, “Do you miss Pennsylvania?”

My response has always been, “I miss the people.”

I stand corrected.

 

I do miss Pennsylvania—in autumn. How happy I was to learn my sister’s induction into our high school’s Sports Hall of Fame was to take place in October, just as the leaves lose their chlorophyll to reveal their true colors. I bought a plane ticket. Family reunion, here I come.

My journey home began in Bucks County, a rural area about 40 miles northwest of Philadelphia. I lived there for over 30 years. I met with former ward members and forever friends in happy reunions.

I drove around back roads with a bosom friend, and feasted on autumn light and color—food for the soul.

Bosom friend at Haycock Bridge. She writes short stories and this bridge sparked a

murder mystery in her mind. I can’t wait to read it.

Yes, these roads are almost wide enough for two cars to pass each other



I wanted to get some pictures of the covered bridge that appears in my novel.

As I left Bucks County to head to Chester County, where I was born and raised, a tear trickled down my cheek. Everywhere I looked was a fond memory. Except for my dear friends, there really is nothing there for me anymore. My children all live in Utah now. I allowed myself a few seconds of grief, but headed south, on another narrow scenic route.



Scenic Route in Chester County

The roads are only two lanes in Pennsylvania, so the canopy of trees along the side of the road enveloped my car like a warm coat of many colors. My tears waned and my smile waxed.

During the week one day I met a dear friend from high school and she took me along old haunts from my childhood.

A leaf-strewn path at Hibernia Park

 

Spackman's Pond, where I would go to think, write poetry, play my guitar and write songs.

 

 

I'd sit on the dock and hang my feet in the water in the summer and let the minnows nibble on my toes.

A family reunion, going to church in my old ward, the Hall of Fame banquet, little high school reunions with friends—all these events warmed my heart.

Do I miss Pennsylvania? Oh, yes, I surely do. I know that now. My heart is still there. I give myself permission, after this trip immersed in nature, friends and family, to say “back home” instead of “back east.”

Pennsylvania is where I’m from. I lived there over 50 years. The people and places there shaped me into who I am today.

Looking down at my hometown from the north hill near where I grew up.

 Utah is home now—a new adventure; a new phase in my life. I love it here, too.

Closeup of the mountains I see from my driveway