Ingram: A love letter to my longtime home of Los Banos

In the Bible there is a reference to sorting the wheat from the shaft.

There are times in our life’s journey when we are called to do that in ways we could never imagine.

In 32 years you gather a lot of stuff, a lot of memories, a lot of hurts, and a lot of love. I’ve found that some of that weighs heavy on me, as I began the necessary process of yups and nopes.

When I first came to Los Banos I did not know how much I would love and get grounded here. One good thing about memories is you can carry them wherever you go, the happy ones warming your heart and leaving you feeling comforted.

Trying to move and somehow sidetracking bad memories is a tad more difficult, but such is life. You cannot take everything you have, and as much I would like to, the laws of space prevent it..

Going through boxes of papers, letters, awards, newspaper clippings, my life flashes before me and brings an onslaught of tears as I see faces and names now long gone, I almost caress these objects as I play Solomon and decide what makes the cut.

For three weeks I have had a dumpster in front of my home making me feel like a scene from Hoarders. I’ve had several mini garage sales as well as “for free” yard sales. Numerous bags have found their way to Goodwill and more promise to follow.

Furniture I loved has gone to new owners. My house is beginning to look quite barren as it gets its fresh coat of paint, thanks to my hard working family.

I look out at my much beloved backyard, at all the rose bushes planted, the crepe myrtles, red buds, trees of a variety of heritage that have joined together to make the wonderland I have loved these 22 years.

These I cannot pack in a box, but must leave behind, hoping that whoever lives here in the future knows the enchanted world they inherit.

As I walk the rooms of my home they seem to talk, reminding me of parties held, holiday dinners, Ron’s illness, his death, and in my backyard, eight years ago next month, my wedding, as well as showers, graduation parties; the joy of being together.

One of my blue birds just made a nice glide in front of my window and landed in its favorite perch, on a tree near my living room window. There is a world of creatures outside, ducks on the canal, tribes of birds, a squirrel on its journey, a visiting cat; none of these things can I pack in the truck that is to transport my life.

A few roads over is Center Avenue, home of my church, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, where I have prayed endless times, and just a bit beyond that there is the cemetery where my mother, Kit Scott, and Ron are buried.

It pains me physically to drive away, even knowing I will return to visit. There are my other homes too, such as Lou’s Beauty Salon where I have spent so many hours laughing and sharing life stories.

Lou Vierra is Los Banos to me and you can count on me making the trip to see her each month. I have probably worn out a booth at my favorite haunt, M&M’s where I am greeted like family, and I always see someone I know.

I usually go with my buddy, Marion Lisotto. And, I could cry here, my beloved Los Banos Drug Fountain, which now I hear is closing, but it has been a hang out place for me ever since I moved here.

I remember taking my mother there, who, childlike due to Alzheimers, played delightedly with the hot fudge on her sundae.

How I wish there could be a place like it where I move. But I doubt it, it is a dying breed. My entire street is home to me, I love the approach each time I come home and turn into my circular driveway.

How can I wrap that up along with my wonderful neighbors Ted and Nikki Smiklt, Doraothy Sousa and Chris and Joanne White.

There is also the uncalculated factor I will never know. What would have happened if I could have stayed? What possible memories are erased as my life’s course is resetf? I am saddened by the change in fortune, but on the other hand what possible things await me in Fresno? What new people will become a part of my life, which way may my life turn? I will know soon, as I leave June 11.

I love you Los Banos and I will be in touch.