Anniversary

Today is my 20th anniversary in Stumptown.

I’ve been coming to Peet’s since they opened in '97. Like any regular, I have my favorite spot. It’s a high top deuce near the back wall. Three large windows face downtown. From this corner I watch the pageantry of Portland.

Sitting there this morning, memories began pouring in until I could hardly take it anymore. Not in a bad way, more in a full way. Twenties years is a long time. 

I don't recall making a decision to stay as much as I made one not to leave. I simply knew when I arrived. This was it. I was home.