The Baumhovers are on the move. Again. We depart Memphis at the end of the month and I realize I have been very hard on this city. I would like to recant all of my Memphis-bashing, and this is why. I preface this by saying retrospect is always 20-20 and maybe it’s because I’m on my way out that I’ve given Memphis a break. Regardless, Memphis is an amazing city rich in culture and heritage … some good and some horribly shameful. Everyone I meet I compare Memphis to Baltimore back when it was the murder capital of the country. It is quite ironic that one of the most inspiring offensive tackles for the Baltimore Ravens happens to hail from the city that took its place as the murder capital. I love Baltimore. I love visiting downtown and I really loved working there back in the day. I love Baltimoreans and how loyal they are to their city and especially their sports teams. Maybe I’ll become one again some day. That is, if we ever stop moving.
I don’t know if Memphis will ever overcome it’s societal divisiveness, but I do know that it is the root of all things disgraceful here. There are clear boundaries between haves and have-nots. The most frustrating part is how locals wallow in their complacency and take no responsibility for celebrating The Bluff City and instead jump on the bashing-bandwagon and dwell on everything that’s horrible here. Most of what you hear about Memphis is true. There are blighted parts downtown that look like the remnants of war, but put it in perspective: don’t all urban areas?
For anyone who relocates to this area, this is what I say: don’t be afraid of downtown. Riverside Drive is an amazing walk along the Mississippi River, which you must see in person to appreciate its speed and power. Mud Island is a fun summer splash-fest and is a must-see when it’s not under water (I hear the river has receded a whopping 2 inches now!). The Civil Rights Museum is a vital aspect of U.S. history required for anyone who is an American. The Civil War history of Memphis alone is enough to overload on. The Memphis Zoo is just about the most fantastic zoo I have ever been to. Shelby Farms is a cooperative suburban undertaking that has only gotten better in the past year we have lived here. The Botanical Gardens are amazing. And the food, oooooh, the food. Lately, I find myself rooting for the Grizzlies (we have one more game to go! let’s beat Oklahoma tonight!). And seriously, what’s not to like about Michael Oher? So this is what I wish for Memphis: I wish you decent, honest leaders who can help you embrace your city and advertise it to the nation as a place to want to see not stay away from. Baltimore suffered the same history, and it is now a city with bragging rights. I’d like to see the same for Memphis.
So, at the end of the month we make our journey back up to Yankee-land. We have about finalized paperwork on our new house and are really looking forward settling at least for the next 3 years. Maybe this time I will actually unpack all of the boxes. The kids are excited and the mercury is climbing fast here in the Mid-South so that means it’s time to get outta dodge.
See you all on the East Coast.
