I only worked a couple of hours and I mostly kept to myself on account of the sluggish mood I was in. Work wasn’t busy, nor noisy, which was a surprise given that Monday Toddler Time Story Time normally fills the library with whelps and laughter by a dozen or so rugrats running around playing freeze tag.
After a week of cold weather and rain (cold being 50*, I live in LA, we’re spoiled) I welcomed the 80* weather. On the drive home I opened up the sun roof, let the sun fry the unbecoming bald spot I inherited from my dad, and blasted the static-y music from my half broken iPod transmitter. It was a beautiful day, but the sun must have gotten to me; giving me a slight headache. Halfway through my drive, the blood pumping through the veins in my temples became more profound. I just wanted to get home, lie down, and sleep off the sunlight.
Finally home and nestled in the perfect spot in the living room sofa, I heard an unfamiliar voice talking to my dad in English. My dad doesn’t speak English, so of course, it meant my plans would be ruined. Half asleep and completely frustrated, I walked out to the patio to find an older gentlemen holding a camera. Confused and irritated, I did my best to sound polite.
He was a tall, pot bellied Caucasian, with balding white hair. He wore a white and blue plaid short sleeved shirt. Half his shirt was unbuttoned, making his sweaty white under shirt visible. He had on dark purple lens- gold framed small aviator glasses. He leaned in to shake my hand. His smile put me at ease.
After exchanging greetings, he told me he grew up in El Monte and my house was his first stop. Our home was his in-laws home for several years!. Back in the late 60’s he used to drive up the same very street I do everyday, to pick up his then girlfriend, now wife! He continued by telling me that things have changed since he lived here, about 30 plus years ago.
He remembered when South El Monte was still part of El Monte. South El Monte was nothing but undeveloped land, full of walnut trees and cattle. The now boarded up Chevy dealership on Valley Blvd. was the location of a Lutheran church where he attended primary and secondary school. The 10 freeway wasn’t even complete! After the road workers were done for the day, his father would drive him up to the incomplete freeway and teach him how to drive. Since traffic was none existent at that time, the road was like a ghost town. Imagine learning how to drive on the 10 Fwy! Anyone who knows the 10 fwy, knows its one of the busiest and most congested freeways! If you don’t believe me, Google it.
Before he left he took some photos and was exited to see that the place hadn’t changed. Though his father in law passed away years ago, his mother in law is still alive. He couldn’t wait to show his wife and her mother the pictures! Before he left I told him to go to the Valley Mall, which I’m sure was the prime shopping area in town. The old El Monte theater is now gone, remnants of the sign are still there. I’m sure he wouldn’t even recognize it anymore given that The El Monte Legion Hall isn’t next door anymore. Of course the Legion Hall known for being a concert venue, hosting some renown acts like Herman and his Hermits and The Beatles to name a few.
As I said goodbye and shook his hand I couldn’t help but think of the history of this town. El Monte is celebrating their Centennial this year, and I can’t help but feel immense pride.
As he drove away and I waved goodbye, I felt this strong reinvigorating energy in my body. This need to explore, to travel, to learn, to retrace, to get lost, to examine.
literary_jargon 