This is why people come back  to Long Island

Have you ever chased a $20 bill across the sand at Jones Beach?

On a chilly autumn day, a friend and I set out to have lunch at Jones Beach. While sitting on a boardwalk bench, facing the ocean and enjoying the wind on my face, I reached into my bag and took out a sandwich. At that moment, my $20 bill was swept up by the wind. It flew over the railing and landed nearby on the sand.

I raced to the nearest ramp, ran down and across the sand. The bill was precariously positioned when my quick-thinking friend, Karen Cliszis, leaned over the railing and threw my weighty tote bag toward the bill. Bull’s-eye! It landed right atop the picture of President Andrew Jackson. I cautiously lifted the bag while retrieving my money.

Returning to the bench, I passed a couple who witnessed my sprint across the sand. I shared my “flying $20 bill” story, and a few minutes later, the husband walked over to our bench and told Karen, “That was a smart move to throw the bag over the money.” She responded, “I’m an R.N. I’m used to solving problems with critical thinking.” It doesn’t hurt to have a registered nurse as a friend.

Later, the man again walked back to us, this time with his wife. Soon, the four of us were engaged in a conversation about Long Island. The couple had recently sold their house in Plainedge, where I live, and moved to South Carolina. The conversation pivoted to the woman’s wish to return to Long Island. She spoke of missing the seasonal changes, Italian specialty foods, stores and restaurants. They were remorseful.

I have given this dilemma of theirs much thought, and I have concluded that it is not the brick-and-mortar stores, food or the four seasons that they miss -- it’s us, the people of Long Island.

They had hoped to rekindle the Island’s personality somewhere else. I think that’s almost impossible. Long Islanders are a unique blend of transplanted New York City people, immigrants and families whose ancestors settled here generations ago. This mixture makes us bold, humorous, talkative and friendly. We’re a lively bunch.

I have spoken to friends and family who have moved away from the Island. Some have moved back, reciting a similar litany of reasons for returning. Yes, they missed the four seasons, bagels, pizza, unique fast-food eateries like All American Burgers Drive-In, specialty foods, entertainment, good schools and shopping. While this list has merit, I think they primarily miss us, the people. They can’t replicate the Island lifestyle, and they couldn’t take it with them.

Oh, about those cold, snowy days that some former Islanders love to point out – after the snow stops, my neighbors are out on the street helping each other shovel, and the banter can be heard a half-block away.

I recently watched a video of Alec Baldwin interviewing Billy Joel. Baldwin asked him why he prefers to live on Long Island. The singer replied that he grew up here, and his perspective on life was developed on Long Island. He added that after living for three years in California, he decided, “I’m going back.” Even the “Piano Man” gets it.

Reader Rose Warren lives in Plainedge.