14 Comments
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Chris Young's avatar

What a great story Michael - brings back wonderful memories. And I can also say that I never urinated on or in that train either !

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Michael Young's avatar

Thanks, Dad. Happy to give you the benefit of the doubt re the train urination.

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Gabrielle Kinney's avatar

Loved this! And totally relatable. I've had similar experiences revisiting places from the past, but with opposite feelings. I'd built them up in my head as something wonderful and special, or much bigger or more beautiful than they'd actually been and then been deeply disappointed when seeing them through my adult eyes. Perhaps I've just become too jaded. 😆 Anyway, safe travels to you and KB on your next adventure!

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Michael Young's avatar

Thanks, Gabrielle! Much appreciated. And yes, I know exactly what you mean. I've had a similar reversal with other places I've returned to. Perhaps it's something to do with imbuing places with more magic and wonder as a child. Safer to just never return, maybe 😅

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Wandering Camera aka Alan's avatar

What a lovely post Michael, as always with so many layers of meaning.. memory, change and growing up. Thanks for the shout out. It was lovely chatting to you yesterday, hope we do it again soon.

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Michael Young's avatar

Thanks so much, Alan. I really appreciate the kind words. And yes, would love to catch up for a chat again sometime soon!

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Ruth garrison's avatar

Having a rant ! Love that community cared enough to make that space nice for kids ( maybe they were the past drinkers and urinators feeling guilty) . Your folks wouldn’t let you play in broken bottles and filth —— don’t ask them ! They’re going to Rant !!😊 Your writing is so fun and vivid, thanks .

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Michael Young's avatar

Haha! Yes, great point. Something to get rid of the guilty conscience perhaps 😅 Thanks for the kind words as well, Ruth!

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Pete Kemery's avatar

“Large rocks sat in random piles as if someone had tried to tidy up and then forgotten about it. Tall scruffy trees stood around awkwardly, appearing not to know where they should be or what they were meant to be doing.” Had me cackling. Love a good rant, thanks for the fun read.

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Michael Young's avatar

I went pretty indulgent on the ranting! Thanks for the comment, Pete. Appreciate it.

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Pete Kemery's avatar

Well nobody likes a half-hearted rant. Indulge or don’t rant at all. Otherwise it’s just a lazy gripe.

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Michael Young's avatar

Very true!

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Joyce's avatar

Beautiful!💕

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Michael Young's avatar

Thank you, Joyce. I really appreciate it.

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