Ah, Seattle.
About a week ago, I started reminiscing about the 12-egg omelette from Beth’s Cafe in Seattle. If you like a good greasy spoon joint and a massive omelet stuffed with deliciousness, it’s a must-try. When we lived there, the kids and I would go every now and then. Part of the fun is adding to the decor by drawing pictures and taping them on the wall.
Well, last week, the decision was made to day trip for an omelet. Then it became an overnight trip because why not? We managed to find an adorable Airbnb a couple of blocks away from Beth’s, took off after work Friday, had Indian food for dinner, snoozed, went to Beth’s for breakfast, and wandered around at the Space Needle before coming back home. Jyn got to go and was the best girl, obviously.
And it filled my cup.
Now, I understand Seattle isn’t everyone’s cup of tea… or coffee, which may be more fitting.. I know the homeless problem is pretty extreme, and I know it’s gone downhill post-COVID. But for me, Seattle was a gateway to becoming my true self.
When I first went to visit, it was such a strange feeling as the plane landed, and I felt like I was arriving home rather than being away from home, especially because I’d really only ever known one home. From South Dakota to Seattle was quite the culture shock. And it was amazing.
It was my first experience seeing people be whoever they wanted to be, dress however they wanted to dress, and no one batted an eye. What had always been abnormal to me wasn’t just normal but embraced and encouraged. After spending so many years feeling like I had to fit a mold, for the first time, I realized I didn’t. It was so liberating.
It marked the beginning of my journey to undo what I had become and instead just be who I am. I’m still on that journey. It’s been long and difficult, and there’s more ahead of me—we’re changing all the time—but it’s been so exciting and fulfilling.
I’ve given myself permission to be honest with myself, to be open with others, and continue to learn how to handle it when I’m judged or ridiculed or looked down on for being open about who I am and how I feel. It’s easy to say the opinions of others don’t matter and hard to believe, but I work towards that every day.
I’m proud of who I am. I love who I am. I’m excited to meet who I am becoming.
Seattle will always hold a little piece of magic for me.
