In 1994, we left Germany and settled in the Chicago suburbs. D.J. had just been discharged from the U.S. Air Force, and we had to find jobs because we liked eating and sleeping under a roof. We found a place in Glendale Heights, but eventually we both started working in Wheaton at Carlson’s on Front St. — D.J. in the Framing department and Jenni in Wallpaper.
We started spending more time in Wheaton, and one day an opportunity for a small apartment on Union fell into our laps (thanks to the Carlsons). Suddenly we could walk to work and our car spent most its time under a tarp. Jenni left wallpaper to manage The Coffee Cup, a tiny coffee shop on Front St. next to the Popcorn Store.
We walked everywhere; the Prairie Path to the marsh, to Glen Ellyn, and all over town. We had our favorite spots to eat where we were welcomed like family, and got to know some amazing people.
Jenni became pregnant with our first child, and we were starting to feel a need live closer to our families in Phoenix. So we packed up and left with mixed feelings. We always kept our memories of Wheaton and Chicago close to our hearts. Often when visiting a new town in other states that we loved we would compare it to Wheaton.
After living all over the country (literally), we settled in Los Angeles for about ten years. It was finally time to buy our first home in 2023. Home prices being what they are in California, we soon realized that was not a sustainable option. Wheaton was on the list of places to look, and we took a trip with our son in October. We found a lovely home and decided to take the plunge into a second life in the West suburbs.
Now we’re reliving some old experiences and finding new ones. The library, Front Street., Stars Resale, Lincoln Marsh, and Hale Street in its newest form. We also discovered that our home came with the friendliest neighbors anyone could want, at no extra charge.
We’re back! And we’re here to stay.
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