Raised in "The Kitchen".

My grandson will be 21 the middle of July. He's survived his childhood and teen-age-hood in Manhattan and when he was born I thought it could never happen. How does a kid survive in the big city? Well believe me it was much different then how his mother was raised and his father too. They were both products of the suburbs and small communities

I remember seeing his mother walk up 5 flights of stairs to their tiny tenement apartment with the baby on her back and groceries in both hands.

The bathroom had no sink, and the metal shower was barley big enough for one small person. The bedroom consisted of a loft bed for mom and dad and a small mattress for baby who eventually grew---with a curtain in between. There was always an easel setup in the living-room with paints and canvases all over. The sound of loud music was every where--the Chinese food take out, right below, smelled of burnt grease and over fried food. The sounds of the streets with police sirens and firetrucks blared 24/7.

People were in and out at all hours. And one could watch the hook ups of the women of the night, below on the street. Is this how my grandchild will be raised????????

I loved it!!!.

He could see the Empire State Building every night change colors. He had a perfect view of the magnificent Manhattan skyline and he had access to all the culture and excitement the city could offer. The apartment was constantly flowing with all kinds of interesting people. Actors, artists, writers and people from all walks of life and from all kinds of interesting places. There were parties on the roof--there were holiday parties- opening night parties- closing night parties- birthday and wedding parties. My grandson was always a part of the goings on. There was lots of love and every one knew "T". All of this was normal to him. He had park play dates with his childhood friends and he graduated kindergarten in Central Park.

He has grown and thrived in this big city environment. The trade offs have worked for him. He is creative. He writes, paints, plays music and remains wise beyond his years. I have always believed that he is an old soul and that we have much to learn from him.

Congratulations "T". You are developing into a magnificent human being.
I love you gobs.