What If

Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if...?

While I was mindlessly searching Facebook groups tonight, I saw a group for my dad's bar from the 80's-90's. It has nearly 600 members. I read through all the wall comments. Memories of cheap food, beer, and cigs, fights, hookups, and live bands on the deck. They also remembered my grandma bar tending. It was very surreal reading it through their memories.

As I was born in 84, amidst all of the partying, I have different memories. My memories include us kid running around the dance floor, playing with the pool tables, the video poker machines, and the arcade games. I remember the stairs and deck, too. I remember climbing atop the bar stools, asking whoever was stocking the bar, to give me a Shirley Temple, minus the orange juice. I remember our family Christmas parties. I remember the tables and chairs.

My dad actually owned two bars. The first one had several fires. It eventually didn't survive the last fire, hence the need for the second bar. My dad made some bad choices, which eventually led to the ending of the bars in the early 90's. I've driven by the area a few times over the years. The bar is currently another college hot spot.

It was located only a few blocks from the university. Chances are, if you're from my hometown and were going to college during this time, you partied there. In fact, while working at the doctors office with my aunt, who helped bar tend back then, I've run into a few patrons. When she tells them who I am, they always remember my dad and I.

I know I would not be the same girl I am today if I had grown up in the bar scene. I would probably be some alcoholic bar slut. I might have been more outgoing, but I wouldn't be the same person, I don't think. It's interesting to think about the what if's from time to time.

So, do you ever wonder what your life would be like if something went a different way in your life?