I never gave much thought as to when we would see each other for the last time. I remember the first time like it happend seconds ago; and I will never forget it.
My family always vacationed over summers at Haywood Island, a small town on a penninsula in Michigan. It wasn't actually an island, but the feeling of isolation from the rest of civilization made it seem like it was. My grandparents live there year round. They own the sweet shop/ice cream parlor/café right in the middle of Main street. But you knew that already- that's where I first met you.
Every June 15th my parents load Little Jack, our Bassett hound Henry, and I into our forest-green station wagon and take the 5-hour car ride from Chicago out to Haywood. My mother grew up in Haywood in the same house, or mansion, my grandparents have had for three generations before them. The mansion sits on the farthest point of the penninsula, overlooking Lake Michigan and the twin docks the townsfolk launch their boats in the summer. During the other seasons they rent out seven of the eight bedrooms to tennants or travelers; but summer is when the Greenfeldt family returns to Haywood and occupies three rooms. Truth is, my grnadparents don't need the money from tennants, you can see that by looking at their house. They do it because they get lonely without us around.
Little Jack, only four when I met you, used to sit with my mother on the porch swing watching jars of fireflies they caught minutes ago at dusk. Father and Poppy would sit on the dock drinking beers and 'fishing' (they used that as an excuse to get out of doing work). Mamaw worked at the store. Poppy works with her every month but summer. That's what I'm there for. But again, you knew that because that's where you asked me what my name was and I accidentally said 'Sweet Treat Café and Creamery'.
I think about that moment a lot. If I had said 'Heather', would you have still replied with 'Nice to meet you Sweet Treat, I'm Johnson and Son's Hardware and Fishing Supply' or would you have said 'Dean'? Would we still giggle nervously about the awkward exchange and my embarrassment? If we didn't, I wouldn't have seen your big smile and heard your warm laughter for the first time. It was enough to melt the gallons of ice cream behind the counter; enough to melt my heart.
I remember it like it was moments ago. And I will never forget it.
