From an Interloper's Point of View

Many would still call me an interloper.  I've lived in this wondrous city for twenty-two and a half years.  My grandson was born here, in a building i lived in for 8 years before i moved into the building (after being on a waiting list for eight years) i am in now, 6 blocks away.  Still Hell's Kitchen.

Occasionally i start thinking that it might be time for me to move back home to the west coast and join the rest of my family.  Only my grandson and i are here now.   My daughter moved back 3 years ago to be with her fiance and resume a career as a hairdresser after gaining a reputation as one of the best in this tough city.

When i moved here, the plan was to try it out for a few months, which turned into a year.  Then when i started selling more of my jewelry and the profession of artist was not so strange any more, i decided maybe 5 years.

Time passes.  Supporting myself was a reality that required extra jobs as the jewelry sales eventually slowed down, but my lust for the city grew.  I found myself getting use to the hardships and always found a way to continue to live and thrive.  I grew more in love with "my city" but still thought i would not want to grow old here.

Then 9/11 happened and everything changed.  My deal to myself then was--i'd stay here till the memorial was built and the grotesque hole was filled.

By the time i retired shortly after 9/11 my living situation was one people in new york would kill for.  I had a lovely apartment in the middle of town, transportation outside my door and everything i needed within walking distance or a bus or subway ride away, plus the biggie--it accommodated my less then spectacular income.  I also had an established health care network.  The prospect of growing old in the city didn't seem so impossible.

Fast forward to now.  My sister is coming to visit me next month. The opening of the 9/11 memorial was a few days ago so i wanted to make some reservations for when my sister is here.

Oh dear!! The next goal for staying here has arrived.  I feel like i belong in this city now.  I love when friends and family visit and i can show them my view, and we can have dinner in one of my neighborhood restaurants, and attend a play, or see the ships on the hudson, or go to a museum, or whatever.  It is right at my fingertips.

Maybe i'll always be considered an interloper but my deal to myself now is---i'm here, i'm still alive, i'm still fascinated, so i think there is no need to set a leaving plan.  I'm a citizen of Gotham until........