How a Bargain at H&M Made Me Homesick

"I like your jacket, where did you get it?"

"H&M, it was $5."

"The one here?"

"No, at home, on the Gold Coast."

"Oh, you mean home home."

"Yeah."

As soon as the words "Gold Coast" escaped my lips, my mind zoomed to North Michigan Avenue, like a projector fast forwarding through stills to get to the right image. I saw the Water Tower and the shiny, gilded, designer boutiques, their spotless windows gleaming in the sun. I could see the still, hot, summer air pressing down on the shoppers, as though I were suspended in the air, overlooking the area. And for a few moments, I was sort of sad.

Although I am used to being away from Chicago, and claim missing Boston more than the Windy City, it remains my home, and the sudden mention of "home home" made me realize that I sort of do miss it. Home contains a special kind of familiarity--the kind that has the ability to warm your heart. Whenever I chance to see pictures of Chicago, I smile, because it is always a welcome sight. The Sears Tower, the red CNA building, Buckingham Fountain, everything.

So where am I going with this? Nowhere, really. I just wanted to pay a little homage to the hub of the Midwest. I guess I really do miss it sometimes.