Our Norwood

When the title for “My Norwood” was first suggested I thought it was perfect. Then, about a hour later while sitting at my mother‘s kitchen table I said the words aloud and felt a sudden - albeit slight - wave of panic. I realized the name of the column alone, never mind the content, could potentially carry a lot of pressure and I didn’t want mislead any readers.

My seemingly wiser, though still younger, brother reminded me the column is about Norwood, and the ideas that led me to this wonderful opportunity with Patch, regardless of the title. And my job was to write about the people, places, memories and even the simple moments that render Norwood unlike so many other towns.

Annoying as it to admit, my younger brother is once again correct. “My Norwood” isn’t about the name or trying to suit everyone’s tastes twice a week. It is about Norwood. My Norwood is your Norwood, in turn our Norwood.

Sometimes, I still get stuck on those two words. Though unintentional, I am amazed how nine little letters can leave me staring at a blank screen on occasion, especially when I have a notebook with me at all times, full of ideas for future columns.

It’s simple. We are Norwood and, as I have said many times, Norwood is a tremendously unique town.

I am not a “townie,” necessarily. I never was. However, I am active in the Norwood social scene, even if it is predominately with the nine and under age set. I am committed to this community and hold certain issues and charities very near and dear to my heart. I will be the first to admit I am not “in the know” about everything Norwood even though I grew up here.

Some of my favorite pieces to write are about living in Norwood and raising Joey in the town I grew up in, literally surrounded by family and friends. It is in those pieces I can combine memories of Norwood past, a little history of the town, the joy of writing about my son and, as always, a reason why there is no place like Norwood.

Four months into writing "My Norwood," which I love more and more each day, I sometimes look at those two words and ask myself, "Am I writing about topics everyone can relate to?"

Over the weekend, I received unexpected feedback about “My Norwood” from the strangest combination of sources - a good friend, an acquaintance, someone I don't even know but who seemed to know me, Joey’s friend and from my mother - people at her work have been reading the column and reporting back to her. Each person mentioned a different column and each for a different reason. Perhaps my question was answered.

I thoroughly enjoy writing, but I especially love writing about the simplest memories that stand out as my very own part of Norwood.

I could write three pages about one summer evening scooping ice cream at Brigham’s when I was fourteen. I could tell you the story of the time I bumped into an old high school “bud” about five years ago at the Balch School’s summer Tot Lot session and, without missing a beat, we picked up where we left off ten years earlier.

And, of course I can tell you stories of Joey. Watching him grow and viewing life through his eyes allows me to slow down, remember my childhood and view Norwood a little differently.

When I write about Clark’s Pharmacy and how Bob the pharmacist reminded me of Santa Clause, or of Roll-Land, Sanko Toys and the green walls of Hanlon’s, I hope my memories spark your own memories.

And to the people who are making their own “My Norwood" memories, it is my hope these stories will bring to mind memories from your own childhood and remind you that you are now part of a tremendous kinship of people.

I will continue to write about Norwood through my eyes. I will take you on bike rides through the Norwood of my childhood on my pink Huffy and I will continue to dig up a few facts about the deep history of our town along the way. I will also remind you of the magnificent places that once made the center “Historic Norwood Center” as I introduce you to some of the remarkable businesses in town you may have overlooked.

I love writing this column because it allows me the chance to hopefully provide you with a warm memory, a few laughs and a reminder that we share the same Norwood.

My Norwood is not “my” Norwood, but your Norwood - it is our Norwood.

Thank you for reading.