Happy October! I love the fall, but living in the southwest doesn't always full fill my need for crisp air, changing colors and the smell of a fire in someones fireplace.
So October makes me long for my years in Brooklyn and my visits back which coincidentally have all happened in October.
I fell in love with Brooklyn despite the struggles of living there. And there were struggles! My husband and I moved there for his Graduate school. We had one child, and one on the way. Money was tight, but we made it work, sort of. At one particular tight point I was getting ready to attend a Woman's get together(Relief Society) sponsored by my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday-Saints . My husband was at school and I needed the friendship and lift only Relief Society could bring. I had bundled my young son and my self against the cold and prepared to leave our 600sqft apartment when I realized I did not have the $1.50 I needed to take the subway to my Church building. I looked in pockets, couch cushions,and my wallet (which I knew had nothing). Zip-Zilch! I think the reality of being poor college students hit me at that point and I sat down on the couch and sobbed! Not just a tear for my own pitiful situation but flat out wailing! (Pregnancy Hormones?-YES!) I probably scared my young son who asked, 'why mommy cry?' How could I tell him I'd willing put myself in a situation that I knew would be tight so my husband could get the degree he needed and live in a city we wanted to be in, but was now feeling sorry for my self? I think I allowed myself to wail for a few minutes and then, cleaning my face off as best I could, I walked the distance to the Church with my son in his stroller and my pregnant belly pushing at the buttons of my coat.
Now I laugh at that memory. I know people who walk farther than that, willing. And some suffer more but still seem to maintain a cheerful disposition. The difference here was my own pitiful attitude. Looking back now, I remember the smells, the crisp air and the bright moon that night, and I would pay much more than a $1.50 to be able to take that walk in Brooklyn.
4 comments:
Thanks Jenny for your humbleness to share what you did and how you felt. Did you walk home in the dark? Scary sweety. Love Mom
Yes, I did walk home in the dark. I was too embarrassed to tell anyone that I didn't have enough for the subway. But I'd do it again any day! Funny how things change. Jenny
Good story Jenny. I would gladly pay 1.50 also to be able to walk around NY right now.
Oh this also reminds me of the talk that was just given in conference.. about loving where you're at.
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