Carson’s Ribs was a special treat.
Growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago, I looked forward to family excursions to the city not only for the museum visits and Mag Mile but knowing that the return home would include a stop by Carson’s location on Wells & Ontario.
Fast forward 10 years and when my college friends wanted to plan a trip to the city and perhaps a picnic in Grant Park, there was only one choice for what we would have in the cooler.
Last night, I had Carson’s for the first time in decades and the connection to past memories was pleasant and perspective offering.
The ribs were provided by the Carson family for a post-event gathering and served as the centerpiece of the fellowship, flavoring the conversation flow with levity and knowing smiles.
For me, often when reminiscing on the past, I get pulled into regret and unhealthy longing for something that cannot be recaptured. Sharing ribs and stories with this group, I pulled from my past the positives a lived experience has in connecting to others in the moment and giving each of us guidance on the hopeful path to creating new memories.
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