It started one night when I took a different route home from work. Rather than exiting Loop121 like I usually do, I decided to head on to I-35 instead. It was after dark, and as US 190 intersected with 35 I saw the most beautiful view of city lights stretching from Belton to Temple and beyond. The interchange is elevated and sits on a slight hill, so it's almost like you're on an overlook. Unfortunately, the sight lasted mere seconds before I was on 35 and on my way to my 6th Street exit. But my soul yearned for more.
There's just something about city lights that moves me, makes my heart leap into my throat. I can't really explain it, except to say it's wonderful. It makes me feel hopeful and alive, like all the wonderful things of the world are just at my fingertips.
The highway department is in the process of building a new flyover from 35 to 190. It's not open yet, and it's just been sitting there, like a giant Stonehenge, since I moved here. The view from that flyover, which is even more elevated than the old interchange, would be phenomenal. I had this idea that maybe I could find a way to get on the new flyover, from the end where it meets 190. If so, I could sneak on there at night and walk to the highest point. I could bring a thermos of coffee and some snacks, and a blanket to sit on while I enjoyed the view. Just thinking about it made my adrenalin pump - the intrigue, the sneakiness, the city lights.
When I got home, I thought about telling Chuck about my idea. But as I imagined our conversation, I realized he probably wouldn't understand. I decided to wait until I had all the details sorted out before springing it on him. The next day, as I headed to Killeen, I scoped out the end of the flyover where I thought I could perhaps walk on. But alas, my hopes were dashed when I realized that end was not connected with the rest of the highway yet. That end also loomed several hundred feet in the air. Without a crane, there was no way to get to my dreamy view.
Last night, I worked late again and took the same route home from work. Entering the curve that leads to 35, I slowed down and stared out at the bright lights. My heart leaped and my blood pumped. For mere seconds, I felt like all was right in my world and that anything and everything was possible.
My soul, crying out for more, yearned for wings.
OMG Kristi! This was fantastic writing. I can imagine how you felt. We saw that spot the other day when we took the road to Harker Heights to meet you for lunch and I pointed it out to Julie and Liz and exclaimed .."Look that road...it just ends abruptly..they need to finish it fast. I bet that is awesome up there." Wonderful writing.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh mom, we are so much alike!! Every time I drive home to Dallas late, after being away for the weekend, I get the same feeling driving through this specific part. The lights, the beautiful, beautiful lights. Makes my heart flutter every time and I feel an overwhelming sense of hope! I remember feeling this same feeling when I was just a little girl. We would be driving into Fort Worth, right off 20 where it forks and you come down that hill in Grand Prairie... you could see the lights of Fort Worth and I knew my MiMi and PaPa were hidden in those lights somewhere. I can still conjure up the overwhelming feeling of joy and excitement! That is when I decided I wanted to grow up and be a city girl.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Meems, wonderfully beautiful writing. I was right there with you, looking out over those light. Excited and overwhelmed with hope and joy. I love you so much.