Revisiting Aquidneck Island: 30 years later
Post date: Nov 13, 2016 9:00:49 PM
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Revisiting Aquidneck Island: 30 years later
Driving over the Mount Hope Bridge, we’re on Aquidneck Island. We drive by First Beach and turn onto Annandale Road: then we see a shabby Methodist church and parsonage next door—once mine. Peeking into the windows, they are empty. I remember my family, friends, babies, faith, laughter, and dinners. Mike takes pictures of me on the church steps. I was a young pastor’s wife with two small children when I left here 30 years ago: then, came heartbreak and finally healing. I’m a college professor and grandmother now, happily remarried. We go back to the beach and hear the roar of the ocean: then drive to our hotel, check in and admire the view at sunset from our room overlooking Newport harbor. It’s filled with boats and tourists: we take a harbor tour, enjoy the sunshine, water, with seagulls flying overhead. I feel at peace and smile at Mike.
Mike and I at the wheel of our tour boat, Newport Harbor, summer 2012
Our old church and parsonage on Annandale Road in Newport, R. I.
The view of First Beach from Memorial Blvd in Newport, just down the hill from our house.
Last updated Nov. 13, 2016