by Donna Swagerty Shreve
“Why do you stay in Stockton?” asked my brother one more time. I felt I had to justify my location. Stockton is located in a rich farming valley that is within a reasonable driving range of the ocean, mountains or desert. Three schools of higher learning are available for intellectual growth. A deep water port brings in ships from all over the world. I personally lived in Stockton when the population was around 50,000. We currently have a population of over 300,000. We have a good climate and such great potential for growth. However, Stockton, through some self inflicted wounds, has maintained a bad reputation. The question has been raised,”
I have lived in Stockton almost all of my life. My parents’ first home, with me as their first born, was located in Stockton. My parents had rented a house from a local dentist that was located out in what was then considered the outskirts. That current address near Country Club Boulevard and Plymouth Road is now surrounded by many houses and sits near a major freeway. Our growing family’s first owned home was in Lincoln Village where I spent my idyllic childhood.
I attended University of the Pacific and married a fellow classmate. We settled down in Stockton for our successful careers. After a four year escape in Connecticut for a military commitment, we returned to Stockton and raised our family. Our sons attended local schools and remained until they left for college and beyond.
I became the sibling who stayed in town and helped with my parents as they lived out their last days. They had met at then College of the Pacific and after serving in World War II, they returned to the fertile valley. I made deep connections of my own with my 38 year teaching career in local schools. Thanks to modern media, I am still in touch with many former students and have had the privilege of watching where their lives have lead them.
My recent 50th high school reunion reminded me of how many childhood friends I have kept in touch with over the years. I have been able to see myself in various forms through their eyes. As I celebrate each new birthday, I have become more reflective about my friends and family. Reflection brings up wrapping up loose ends and remembering the entire scope of my life so far.
I seriously tried to escape Stockton about 15 years ago. I wanted to live in Ashland, Oregon, but family circumstances grounded me here. I am now at peace with my decision not to leave and am convinced I will spend the rest of life right here in Stockton.
Stockton has served me well and I have had all the opportunities I needed to create the life I enjoyed. My emphasis now is my family. I want our home to continue to be a gathering place to celebrate, remember and create new stories.
I watched my father take four and a half years to slowly die of cancer. He had time to reflect on his full life. I was the lucky one with whom he shared his thoughts. He said his biggest regret about dying was not being able to watch his grandchildren grow up. I have a similar view but I expand to wanting to watch the next generations continue their lives. Our family has some strong characteristics and it would be entertaining to watch certain traits continue into the evolving world.
572 words
10/15/2021
Swagerty-Aldrich Family Web Site 