Why We Come Home

An old Island home place springs back to life when it's decedents come home.

An old Island church bell rings it's invitation on a beautiful Sunday morning.

A evening ride around the Island is a journey of remembrance.

 

There is comfort here in the ritual of remembering.  This is why we come home.

 

 

Goose Creek. Photo by Nathan Lewis.

 
Tomorrow we will all come together. Homemade pies, secret recipe casseroles, a traditional pot of collards, maybe some fried shrimp will be shared.  But most importantly it will be the hugs and smiles of those who come together.

What began in 1974 as a centennial celebration earmarking the 100 years Goose Creek Island became part of Pamlico County, homecoming quickly grew into an annual event.  For 44 years, we've still continued to uphold our history of this special place.  Family ties, abundant recollections and stories of our Island beauty fills and nurtures our Island spirits. It is these intersections of memory and of the present that is embodied within our Island soul.

There will be people we have not seen in a while.  And there will be people we cannot see.  By our gathering, their spirits will fill those voids.  There's no doubt much has changed on the Island.  A once bustling and prime location of North Carolina's seafood industry, every person had some salt instilled in their blood from toiling in the sea. And the many farmers who plowed the rich, black earth of the Island soil, gave significance to the place where the land and sky meets the water.

As hurricanes and opportunities abroad have dwindled our numbers, many still remain.  The great news is many are coming back.  This summer alone has brought back three Island natives and descendants in securing their place on the Island.  I hope to see many more "come home".  It's here were they can find peace among their people.

As the web of descendants grow more complex each year, the stark beauty of the Island heritage continues to pull us home.  There's a deep connection we have for the Island.  When one drives over the bridge, isn't it "the prettiest sight ever been?"

So tomorrow, let's continue our lifelong connection to Goose Creek Island.  Let's prove to the "naysayers" that this far off, out of the way village will continue to keep the Island's past - the stories, people, and traditions - alive.  This is why we come home.