or drink the sweet tea, as the case may be.
My mother had an appointment in the big city of Dillon recently and her car was unavailable. I drove her over there and realized it was rare that we would have thirty minutes alone to just TALK. We used to take trips together all the time, but now we are generally accompanied by children and screaming and passing back drinks and changing the movie on the dvd player.
She was craving a glass of sweet tea, and I remembered that there was this little place tucked on a side street that has excellent sweet tea. “I think it is called The Kitchen” I told her. She looked shocked. “It cant be The Kitchen. I used to go to the Kitchen when I worked at Robins Men Shop. Robins was on the corner and The Kitchen was right across the street.” I merely shrugged as I had no idea what the history of the Kitchen might be. We pulled into Dillon and I steered towards the place I knew as “The Kitchen.” Sure enough, it was the same place she remembered from years ago. Unfortunately, it did not open until 11:00 a.m. and it was only 10:00. Every instinct in my body was geared towards getting back to work. I had lists of things to do that had their own lists of things to do. Then it clicked with me that these opportunities to spend time with her alone are fleeting. My children were safely ensconced in their schools, appointments could be rescheduled, and the to-do list could wait just a few minutes more. We strolled through the shops on the Main Street, bought some Christmas gifts, talked to shopkeepers. We lamented the closing of Bell’s Jewelry. We remarked that Young World had some cute children’s clothes in the window. I drove the streets of Dillon while she pointed out houses of long since gone residents. I heard stories I had not heard from her before. We had a leisurely lunch at The Kintyre House, which was delicious. (We compromised with Kintyre House as I wanted to eat at the Whistle Stop. Compromise means she got her way, of course.)
Ironically, we never made it back to The Kitchen for that glass of sweet tea. However, I think it worked out just the way it was supposed to.
Thanks Mom. Lets do that again soon.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey, I’m from Dillon, thanks for writing about them! It seems like all people talk about when they mention Dillon anymore is the murders that go on there, so it’s nice to read about something like this. Kintyre House is pretty good, I’ve gone there a few times.
Rebecca– It seems as if the bad things always make headlines and people forget to look for the good! I am trying to seek it out and promote it!
Flossip: We’re glad that someone out there is
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Oh, and I like doing random things with my mom too. Half the time when I go home the big thing my mom and I do is just go to McDonald’s and get ice cream or something, but it’s still fun just being with her
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The Whistle Stop is lovely. They make homemade steak and chicken pies.They also have an antique store inside.I highly recommend it!!