Everyday memories

I woke up this morning craving coneys. Weird, huh? Joe and I have had a favorite little coney place that he had been going to for over 30 years. It was a treat to meet Joe there for lunch sometimes during the work day, and he made it his regular stop during chemotherapy because he said he could actually taste the chili, when so many other things had no taste at all. He was such a regular that the guy that runs the place (Rowdy) knew his order and would be working on it whenever Joe was walking in the door (3 with chili and squeeze cheese).

So I woke up today craving coneys. The last time I was there was with my Joe. But dammit, I was going today for lunch. So I hopped in my car and headed over to 21st & Garnett. It took a few minutes in the parking lot, but after a few tears I made my way inside. I don’t think Rowdy recognized me without Joe beside me (Rowdy knew him as the BBQ guy). As I sat and ate this delicious little memory I thought about all the times we had been there for lunch. Too many to count, so many to treasure.

It was comforting to be there, and so sad at the same time. When I finished eating, I thanked Rowdy and left. I was kind of proud of myself that I didn’t lose it inside the restaurant. No matter how hard this is, I want to go to all the places we loved to go and do all the things we loved to do.

Do you find it hard to visit the places and do the things you and your loved one enjoyed?