Only Alive

Anna King Donlon never had “help.”

That type of assistance was unknown in the years she raised her family in Hells Kitchen. That was the beloved “home and neighborhood” my Mother embraced with affection and loyalty throughout all her days on this earth.

However, as I gaze back in time, I realize Mom had “help” without a name or title.

Helen King, Mom’s devoted younger sister, (who remained home “to take care of the house”) transported my sister and I to school.

Aunt Helen also accompanied us to the doctor, if or when a visit was necessary. She was also our companion at movies, notably Snow White and The Wizard of Oz.

Often, my kind and gentle Aunt suggested I invite my friend, Joan, to accompany us on the wonderful excursions.

Sadly, neither my sister nor I realized her total devotion not only to her older sister, but to both nieces.

Being children, we casually accepted Helen’s role in life as a caregiver. However, that chapter belongs to another story not this one.

The other “helper” Mom had were the devoted Sisters of the Holy Cross who taught in the school we both attended, St. Paul the Apostle.

At a time in history (unlike today) when there were many verbal taboos (i.e.,the F word) the dedicated nuns were there to answer delicate and/or difficult questions.

Anything touching on the three letter word beginning with s and ending in x was another challenge given via a handwritten note and delivered to “Sister.”

And of course, I was usually the culprit who caused the sensitive inquiry. Being (in my Mom’s words) a difficult child, I was determined to unearth the mystery of the four letter F word painted across the street on the hospital brick wall.

As steadily as the workmen washed the bright red letters off, they steadily reappeared in dawn’s early light.

And my Mother refused to tell me their meaning, and warned me NOT to ask Aunt Helen.

The very next school day I carried a sealed envelope addressed to “Sister,” and warned to deliver it unopened and only to my teacher.

I would like to quote her answer, but I only remember that afternoon I was given an extra homework assignment that had no relationship to my query.

And yes, when eventually I learned the precise meaning of that then forbidden word, it was an older schoolmate who provided the education.

And indeed it was a different time and place, and now only alive in memory.

And perchace rightfully so.