Oh, those were the days! It's incredible how much has changed since I was a kid in Hinton, West Virginia. There was something almost adventurous about needing to go to the payphone two blocks away to talk with a friend.
I remember it vividly. The payphone stood under a big tree right next to the courthouse. It felt like a secret mission every time I left the house, coins jingling in my pocket, ready to make that call. The payphone was a sturdy old thing with a heavy receiver and a slightly scratched glass window that always reflected the sun just right.
Fast forward to today, and it's easier to imagine a time with the convenience of cell phones. We can FaceTime anyone, anywhere, and have instant access to a world of information. It's incredible how we've gone from scrambling for coins to simply tapping a screen. I wonder how my younger self would have marveled at carrying such a powerful device in my pocket.
But there's a certain nostalgia to those payphone days. It was a time when planning was necessary, and every call felt more meaningful because it took effort. Plus, there was a thrill in wondering if your friend would be home to pick up the phone or if you'd have to try again later.
The courthouse was more than just a place for phone calls, though. It was the heart of so many of my childhood adventures. I remember playing football and baseball near the courthouse. There was this open space that just seemed perfect for a pickup game. The courthouse grounds felt like our own personal sports arena. We'd gather our friends, and the games would get intense, filled with the energy only kids can muster. Sometimes, we'd play until the sun set, casting long shadows across the field.
And then there was my dad's whistle. It wasn't just any whistle; it had a unique tone that cut through the noise of our games and adventures. That signal was that it was time to wrap things up, say my goodbyes, and head home. Even in the middle of an intense game, as soon as I heard that whistle, I knew it was my dad calling. Knowing he was there, looking out for me, was something comforting about that sound. His whistle reminded me of the end of the day's fun, and I could hear it no matter where I was. It always brought a smile, reluctance to leave my friends, and the anticipation of sharing the day's stories at home.
And then there was the bike riding. The courthouse, with its wide pathways and majestic trees, made for a fantastic biking spot. I'd ride my bike in circles around the courthouse, imagining I was on some grand adventure. The feel of the wind in my hair and the sound of the bike tires on the pavement was pure freedom.
Right across from that payphone, I first heard music on a CD playing at my friend's house. CDs were new and expensive, an absolute novelty at the time. Hearing that crystal-clear sound for the first time was like stepping into the future. It's incredible how those moments, intertwined with a payphone, remain etched in my memory.
The juxtaposition of that modern technology with the timeless, historical feel of the courthouse area was fascinating. There we were, in this quaint little town, surrounded by the echoes of history, experiencing the dawn of a new era in music. It's a vivid memory that marked a significant shift in how I listened to music and embraced new technology.
Nowadays, it's incredible how we can connect with anyone instantly, from virtually anywhere. We have the world at our fingertips, literally. But sometimes, I think back to those courthouse payphone days with a smile, appreciating the simplicity and the little adventures of growing up in a small town. It's incredible how something as simple as a payphone can trigger such rich memories from my youth.
The courthouse and its surroundings were more than just places; they were the backdrop to a simpler time, filled with youthful exuberance and the thrill of new experiences. These memories remind me of how much the world has changed, yet some things remain timeless, like the joy of discovery and the bonds of friendship.
I miss you so much, Dad.
Today, I'm reminiscing about the many days the Lord gave us together.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6
Now go, and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation through your lens.
