No place like home

March 21, 2014

As I sit here and reflect on where I have been, where I am heading and what I am presently doing I need to acknowledge my journey. I remember the ride from Rosedale across Rockaway Turnpike to our new home. I asked Mommy where we were headed and she replied "Far Rockaway". Over the years I have had many invitations to reside in other places. Career opportunities, family connections and my desire to branch out has tempted me time and time again to make a life somewhere else.

Subconsciously I believe I have always belonged in New York. When I visit other places, no matter how lovely the accommodations I always long for my home. I am sure we all feel that way regardless of where we live. I love my community. I sincerely do. I don't "rep my hood " for street creed. I grew up here and have raised a son here. I have met the most genuine, caring and beautiful people on the streets of my town. I have watched people live and die in my city. I have seen people move thousands of miles away just to yearn for a grain of sand off our beaches.

When my late Godmother Audrey Davis battled vigorously the disease that would ultimately claim her we used to talk on the phone. She moved from Wavecrest Gardens where she had resided for so many years to Mesa, Arizona to be close to my Godbrother Billy and his family. After a particularly grueling day of chemotherapy we were chatting about the weather. My Godmother knew although born in July and within close proximity of the beach I HATE Summer and all it entails. I said to her "it's so hot in Rockaway I am laying out the window on my fire escape". I will never forget it, she said "Kim, I wish you could send me the breeze that blows off the water through the phone, I miss Far Rockaway".

There is NOTHING wrong with having goals. It is something we should all desire in life. I just hate it when people act like they forgot where they come from.Your journey is your journey and mine is mine. Sure I want a home in Manhasset Hills New York, Montecito, California or Palm Beach, Florida. But, subconsciously I would love for my ship to come in and be able to purchase that house with the attached office that has been on the market for over a year on Beach 9th Street that every time I drive by it calls my name. At the end of the day I have witnessed too many people gone too soon and their last thoughts were of the community I love and the memories made here......

"Life is but a Moment"-Tyler Perry