“No matter where life takes you, never forget where you come from.”
For me, this quote all boils down to one word – roots!
Over 20 years ago, I relocated from my birth home of Wheeling. My “roots” were planted in many places around Wheeling. From childhood experiences in the hilltop area of Mozart to adult life experiences in my work life, I was fortunate to lay down roots with some long-time friends and acquaintances.
Those experiences are filled with memories that I am proud to share with anyone who is brave enough to ask me, “Where are you from originally?”
It is generally not a short conversation!
Every time I make a visit back to the Ohio Valley, my “roots” are revitalized. I am blessed to have a group of “high school gals” who take time to share a meal and raise a glass, remembering what brought us together and keeps us together. With the benefit of social media, my fellow Wheeling Wildcats-Class of 1976 and OVGH School or Nursing members stay connected.
We share life moments, support one another, and travel down memory lane from time to time. I guess you could say we keep the “Wheeling Feeling” alive across the miles.
Most recently, I traveled to Wheeling for a visit to help with some medical issues of a family member. As I reached out to those who were part of my roots for care suggestions and advice, I was reminded that Wheeling hadn’t lost one of its most valuable assets-a sense of community.
From my sweet friend, Crystal Bauer of Project HOPE, to members of Christ Lutheran Church (especially the Neuhardts, Betsy Vieweg, and Paula McDonald) where I attended Vacation Bible School to the top-notch members of the Wheeling Fire Department-my roots got a boost of encouragement!
Countless others from my affiliation with various Emergency Services and my OVMC EMSTAR days were generous in their offers of suggestions to ease some bumps in the road. I had not seen many of these people for several years, but the extension of community was still strong and sincere.
Yes, my high school located on Chapline Street no longer stands.
Further, the beloved building I called my “work home” for over 20 years and where I got my education for a long career in healthcare is slated to disappear. The landscape in Center Wheeling will dramatically change when the OVMC campus is assumed by WVU Healthcare. But rest assured, fellow Wheelingites, there will always be deep, enduring roots in the hearts of those who found these earthly buildings a treasure.
There are so many other special places that I could mention that I make an attempt to visit when I return to Wheeling … places like Oglebay Park, Wheeling Park, churches I have attended, and the list goes on.
In those visits, I leave feeling that the value of those “roots” experiences will serve me well until I return once again.
So, visit those places that helped form your “roots” and think not of what has been lost. Rather, seize the rich glimpses of your heritage and dream of how you can keep the “Wheeling Feeling” alive for years to come in new ways.
(A huge shout out to folks like you, Steve Novotney, and those who keep the various social media portals related to Wheeling memories alive!)
