My favorites are old photographs of everything from the "Shoney's" on Abercorn to the crumbling beach wall on Tybee Island ... though I'm naturally drawn to old pictures.
Whenever we travel I find the local history of mostly black and white photos and I imagine what it must have been like before neon lights, Interstate Highways or jumbo jets.
Things are both better and worse then ... a marvelous imperfection where things were as good as they could possibly be but would soon get better.
Through there are always causalities.
The "Shoney's" is long gone, along with the old seawall ... Joe's Drive In, the Highway 80 Theater, the Bounty House Restaurant, the Krystal downtown, swimming pools with diving boards and the water park on Tybee.
Each had its moment in time, now forever frozen in memories and old photographs.
Friends too had their moments and, while either they've moved on or we have, the best of us never forget the impact they had on us.
"He was great when he was great," George Harrison once said of Elvis Presley. "Last time I saw him I said, "Put your jeans back on and do 'That's alright Mama" because that really is your way ... not singing 'My Way.''"
I love the sentiment because Elvis was freaking great ... when he was freaking great ... then one day he wasn't.
It's the same with most everyone else.
While I enjoy memories of growing up I sure as Hell don't want to go back.
I like this part of the journey better.
I love reconnecting with old friends, especially when they mix well with my new ones.
What I enjoy most are seeing old friends who grew into themselves. When we're together there are short stories about the past but learning, experiencing and enjoying who they are now is far better.
All of that to say ... see you in a month Joey Finch!
Sarah and I can't wait.
