Who exactly was it who said, "You can never go home again"? It wasn't someone from my hometown.
In February 1972, Mustang Drive ended at Opal Street, with nothing but cattle fields and farms for the five miles between home and the high school. Every elementary child walked to and from school unless they had broken their own piggy bank to splurge on a bike.Mine was a Spyder, tall handles with tassels and a sparkled purple banana seat. It cost me the entire $6 in my savings account. I remember my friend I bought it from. I was so pleased to have a piece of her still, after her family had to move.If you are not blessed to know of my beautiful Saginaw, let me share.This city was built around grain elevators and trains. We are blessed that even with all our growth and advancements we still have them.Saginaw was a one-light, one-grocery-store, one-fast-food-place town for many years. When McDonald's opened on Blue Mound Road, it was a big deal to have made it into the big leagues. Then came Sonic, actually on our own boulevard.If you have visited us in recent years, you might label me mad for thinking of Saginaw as a little town that was safe, secure and a place to return to. Traffic is backed up heading south in the morning and, of course, north for the evening rush. We have many choices for grocery stores, restaurants, everything automotive, hardware and fuel. You can even get your car inspected, washed and serviced at more than one location.Our parents taught us that our families are our homes. I grew up feeling that the entire town was my family. There was never an adult that we didn't listen to or respect. Although as classmates and neighbors we didn't always get along, that made us more like family than if we did.We were raised to appreciate others not only for things we had in common but even for our differences. We just accepted who we each were.Why? Because our town fostered that in us. Our town of JR's Cafe, Texas Pit BBQ, Burrells Fina Station, Saginaw Flower Shop (the only place to get homecoming mums), Motts, Elkins (where you could get colored notebook paper) and Saginaw Pharmacy.Since that February, a lot has changed in this little town. It's not so little anymore. There isn't a single open space between my house and the high school. Longhorn Road has more than two lanes. I lost count of the signal lights on Saginaw Boulevard.Not many children get to walk to school, at least not without a parent. Most don't get to stay out until the streetlight comes on or wander down to the strip of shops just to hang out. Our little Saginaw, just like any other place, has been warped a bit by the realities of the world.When one is in need of returning home, it can be quite traumatic. I was gone 23 years, and I've been back for three now. Do you know what I found?My friend down the street in his old house taking care of his mother. Another friend around the corner doing the same for her mother, who recently passed.Yet another four blocks away with her sweet husband and daughters watching after her father. A mentor from my growing years still down the block with her sweet smile and distinctive perfume.I found home.Kelly Ellis of Saginaw is a member of the 2012 Star-Telegram Community Columnist Panel.gnitejonboy@gmail.comHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
