| Life in the Rearview Mirror: Things I miss | |
| November 24, 2011 Glenn Hascall | |
 The holidays always bring on a sense of what I miss most. This year is no exception. Can I share a few things I miss about the Tri-cities? Well, since I can’t tell if you’re agreeing or not I’ll continue – in no particular order. I miss Mexican food. It is amazing to me how many great choices there are in the region. From breakfast burritos to full meals there are some choices that cause my salivary glands to work overtime. I miss watching movies from the balcony (right side) at the Nile Theater in Mitchell. I like theaters in general, but the more traditional venue at the Nile provided an emotional connection to similar theaters of my youth as well as a nod to the drive-ins I remember for all night spaghetti-westerns and slightly green hot dogs. I miss my church family. I can still keep in contact with them through Facebook, but not really the same thing. From turkey fries in July to rabbit trail conversations I find the faces and conversations a safe haven I can return to over and over again. I miss the staff and supporters of KCMI. For more than 16 years this place was a key part of my life. I miss the guests that came in to use the library, the meeting room or just to talk. I miss the hall of food, the staff meals, the friendships, and the board of directors. I miss water. I saw the flooding firsthand this past spring, but where I live now a puddle is about as close to a lake as I am likely to find without a long drive. I miss walking the Monument Valley Pathways by the river. I miss seeing Terry’s Lake across from my house. I miss seeing fishermen willing to share tall tales and fishing secrets. I miss family. Most of my family has never left the region. We’re a relatively small clan, but I miss knowing they are close. I miss breakfast at the Bagel Shop on Saturday mornings with my daughter. This was a special time that we both remember and have found nothing else to be a suitable substitute. I miss the YMCA. While I commute by bike to work every day I still miss the variety of opportunities available through the Y. I miss Runza. The grilled chicken sandwich, the French fries and the staff smiles all add up to envy on my part. Whenever we come back we have to ensure at least one visit to Runza. I miss walks at the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument. I always purchased an annual pass because it was an easy way to simply get away from it all and just think with the sounds of wind, birds and an occasional blast of a distant train whistle to either distract or soothe. I miss Jake Roberts. Not only a great friend, but also the best mentor I have ever known. I knew there was something special about this guy the first time I met him and he wanted to shake my hand even though they were grass stained. Jake rarely gave me his personal opinion, but he knew the book that had the answers. I refer to it daily, Jake. I miss my in-laws. So many meals together. So many shared stories, projects, and conversations. I know Lloyd is struggling now, and we miss being close. Praying – daily. I miss the sounds of bands in October, the news of Thanksgiving meals in November, the experience of Christmas on the Prairie in December, the incredible light displays viewed from the monument, and the many people who intentionally invested in our lives. When it comes to a season of Thanksgiving I hope you, too, can take some time to do a little blessing counting. Gratitude has a way of changing your perspective. Read more by Glenn Hascall |
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