Visit Places That Make You Feel Nostalgic

Two of the most important people in my life are my Mom’s parents - my grandma that I call Nanners and my grandfather Papa. Nanners is the matriarch and I make a point to see my her about once a month, and Papa passed away when I was 11 years old.

Last week I was in Boston which is where my grandparents met - Nanners grew up in a small town called Mattapan and Papa went to college at Harvard University. I decided to visit both places to experience the history and legacy for myself, and it was extremely impactful for me.

First I spent an hour at Harvard to visit two spots in particular. First is Widener Library which is where Papa spent a lot of his time. As I walked the steps up to the front door I saw how worn the cement was, and thought about how many times Papa must’ve walked these steps himself. I stood at the top and turned around picturing how he must’ve been carrying big bags full of books and sporting equipment, wearing a big trench coat on a snowy winter day. I put my hand on one of the big columns holding up the structure and prayed to him to feel his presence.  

I also went to his dorm where he lived for a few years, Kirkland house, and put my hand on the brass metal handle to open the front gates. I imagined times when he made it home after a long day, with feelings of both accomplishment and stress. Times when he had his hands full and needed help. I placed my hands exactly where he put his.

The next day I visited the street where Nanners grew up. I pictured her as a little girl playing on the street and walking around to visit with neighbors. I pictured her brothers walking up and down the front porch as they left to deploy in World War II, and came home safe. I imagined her going down the street to make phone calls, or congregate in the one house that had a TV or radio.

I don’t know that any of these things happened, but they might have. Allowing myself to feel nostalgic about my family’s history gave me a deep presence and appreciation for the way things were. It made me feel more connected to them, and inspired me to keep applying myself as best as I can in their honor.

Whether it be a place you used to spend a lot of time, or a place associated with a loved one, visit places that make you feel nostalgic. You won’t regret it.