Last month, I asked you to stir your memories for remembrances about your favorite childhood stores - and I shared a store-related memory of mine. I received some great responses. One of the most touching was from a reader named Kimberly:

The question about my favorite childhood store immediately brought two local stores to my mind. I grew up in a small town in Southwest Michigan called Coloma. I still live here, and while I have ventured to various parts of our beautiful country for brief jaunts--for a seminar or meeting, to visit a friend, or for a short vacation--I always find myself anxious to return home.

I guess maybe that's because of all the fond memories I have from growing up here. When I think of home, I can't help but think of some of my favorite stores from my younger years.

Ferguson's 5 & 10 was only a few blocks from our house at the edge of town. Going in there with Mom was always a treat! Creaky, wood floors intrigued me, and in true five-and-dime style, rows of wooden bins invited me to explore their wares. Ok, so they were flat, wooden tables, divided into sections by wooden dividers, but to me, they were bins made of gold! A quarter or fifty-cents was more than enough to buy a special something back then, and the excitement in choosing something to entertain me for the afternoon was grand. Some of my favorite purchases were paddle ball sets and ball-n-jacks sets (this is back when jacks were still tiny, challenging, and made of metal!).

Another favorite store was a place we called "The Bus Stop." I don't recall if that was really the actual name, but it really was a bus stop (back when Greyhound-type buses went through every town). I loved going up there, usually with Dad on Saturday mornings. They sold magazines, newspapers, and a few books, but the big draw for me was the candy counter full of treats. If we saved up our allowance money, we could really buy a pile of sugar! My favorites were the jawbreakers and the sour candy sticks. Of course, if I had any change left after making my bigger purchases, I made sure to spend it on the fantastically fun Bazooka Bubble gum, which cost only one penny. Do you remember the comics that were inside each Bazooka gum wrapper? We loved 'em!

Funny, Steve. I wouldn't have expected thoughts of my favorite childhood stores to elicit memories of good times with Mom and Dad, but I guess it stands to reason, since I wasn't able to ride my bike up to town alone until I was probably 10-12 years old! LOL

I lost my father back in October of 2008, and I still have days when the tears come in floods. Earlier today was one of those days; but having a chance to remember something like our Bus Stop candy runs makes me smile. And for just a moment, Dad isn't that far away--he's right here next to me. Thanks, Steve

Thank you, Kimberly! Okay folks, here's our next topic: Memories of your first year in school. What one or two special memories come to mind? I'll share my "Kindergarten Escape" story next month; meanwhile, please let me know what memories this subject stirs up for you.

- - Steve Pender