A Life

Ah, yes, they were different times.

The days when “helpful” relatives found employment for others in their extended families.

Perchance the new found positions didn’t quite fall into the realm of “exactly” what was desired, but that’s life, isn’t it.

Such a “favor” was done for me the year I turned 14, and a new recipient of a social security card

A cousin (a recent in-law addition to our extended clan,) upon learning I was now employable, offered my services to her supervisor at a major insurance company in lower Manhattan,

Immediately, my grateful Mother eagerly accepted the opportunity on my behalf.

No one had inquired about my own summer plans, ( i.e, writing more stories about the crowded streets I knew so well) or my optimistic daydreams.

I had planned to enjoy the summer months sitting quietly at a fifth floor window watching life igniting minute by minute on our crowded street below while writing more chapters of my never to be finished novel.

No, indeed not, rather I was given subway carfare, a bologna sandwich and a Hershey bar on the first morning of summer break along with directions to the famed financial district of our incredible city,

And yes, in retrospect, also a well deserved lesson in life.

Immediately upon arrival I was ensconced behind a huge walnut desk covered with insurance policies seemingly reaching the ceiling,

Since it was assumed I was capable numerically, I was quickly advised all of the documents had to be assembled correctly before being replaced accurately in the looming mammoth file cabinets I had passed en route to my designated desk.

I was also informed I could not leave at the end of the day until my daily assignment was completed.

Instantly I knew childhood as. well as my days dreaming of becoming the new Charles Dickens were now an impossibility.

And so it was, I grew up that morning, and in retrospect I owed both the new cousin and my wise Mother gratitude.

But, of course, it took decades to comprehend that the trip “downtown” saved me from a life of futility looking out a window watching other people live life rather than finding one of my own.

However, I never quite relinquished all the day dreams, and the possibility of finishing that novel

Perhaps, there is still time.