I’m uncertain how the red phone booths of England became a symbol of that entire country, but it absolutely has. A quick scan of any jet setters Instagram account will confirm. I think anytime most people see one of these iconic, but obsolete booths, their noggin is immediately filled with images of beefeaters, the royal family and odd looking taxis.

I may be the exception. When I see one of these I’m immediately transported back to Detroit, Maine in the early 1990s. I’m in the living room with my family and two dogs. The room is dimly lit and Alex, our faithful golden retriever is curled up beside me. Mom and dad are sitting on the couch. Our wood paneled, floor model Sony tv is transporting us across the pond to the strange but entertaining world of Dr. Who. Full disclosure…I think Dad was the only one who enjoyed the show. The rest of us were just along for the ride. Little did I know, this would probably be the best time of my life. Maybe all of ours. Within a decade my mother would be deceased after a gut wrenching battle with Multiple Sclerosis and the family would be left in shambles. No more evenings around the boob tube. No more golden retrievers. No more family. I have fond memories whenever I see one of these icons of the U.K.. Not because of the shows plot, but because if reminds me of a time when the plot of my life was different. A happier and wholesome time. In a way Dr. Who became a reality. The characters of the show would get into the booth and be transported to a different dimensions. My trips through time and space don’t involve a world of adventure or quirky characters. I take a direct route back to a time when life was a little easier. Laughing was the normal. I was content with bowl of popcorn, a glass of kool aid and the company of a soon to be dispersed family. Maybe Dr. Who wasn’t a fantasy? After all, we use the same mode of transportation.