Wednesday, September 7, 2011

That Ol' Jack Magic - Unconditional Love in a Faulty Structure: Part Three

A Note Before Reading: This is the final installment of a three-part essay. To begin at the beginning, go here.

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And so the beading continued. And as boutiques, galleries and museum stores began to take my memory wire bracelets on consignment, I expanded my horizons – creating earrings, necklaces, and clasp bracelets. I even gave in ultimately to the pressure of popular culture – I created a website.

It would be a while, though, before I would learn what the foray into jewelry design was about for me. And during that year (plus) of being immersed in glass beads – calmed by their colors, shapes and feel – I would learn what love and neighbors are about….

… Running downstairs and knocking on Tim’s door. I’ve got a date in ten minutes, but because I’ve just put lotion on my hands, I can’t maneuver the clasps on the bracelets I want to wear. Tim answers the door with a towel around his waist. He was just about to step into the shower – but, like the brother I never had, he answers the call. Fumbling (as guys do), he manages the clasps. He settles my nerves and wishes me “Godspeed” on my date. Were it not for the precariously draped towel, he would accompany that wish with a hug…

… Going to Debbi’s the morning after the big break-up conversation. Sitting on her couch and drinking coffee. “I’m so proud of you,” she says. “You didn’t drag it out.” Her tears for me, her tears for the process, allow me to cry, too…

… Calling Julie during one of those weeks in the middle. “I’m confused,” I say. “I need to talk this out.” Julie responds in a tone that goes with her cowboy curtains. “Come on down,” she says. By the time I get to her apartment, the bottle of Jack Daniels is on the table. Julie pours and listens. She asks the right questions. Her observations are so wise…

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September 11, 2001. I have a dental appointment, and because it’s a morning appointment, I am running late. I almost don’t notice the flashing light on my answering machine, but when I do, I decide to play it – quickly, before dashing out.

“Katie, oh God, it’s Deb – Are you up? Oh my God – I thought of you ‘cause of New York – Oh my God – the Trade Center’s been hit. And the Pentagon. Oh my God. This is major.”

Click.

But, it doesn’t click.

I have no idea what she was talking about in the message that was recorded while I was in heavy R.E.M.

I continue out the door, figuring I’ll stop by her place on my way to the dentist.

The front door to her first-floor apartment is slightly ajar. I push it open. “Deb?” I call. No response. But her TV is on. I stand there in her living room, looking at a shot of downtown Manhattan in a cloud. I don’t even know what I’m looking at. I cannot possibly process this.

I wonder where Debbi is, and for some reason, I still think I’m going to the dentist’s office. I head to the carport in the back. She and neighbor Kate are just returning from Starbuck’s.

“Can I use your phone?” I ask Deb. (I don’t want to go back to my apartment. Having seen people, I suddenly realize I need them.)

“Of course,” Deb responds. “Did you see – ?”

We go back into her apartment, and I call my dentist’s office. No problem cancelling – they’re closing up anyway. I then call my friend, Sue, with whom I am supposed to meet later regarding the book we’re working on. When I tell her I’m not coming over, that I’m not going anywhere, she’s disappointed. “Turn on your TV,” I tell her. “You’ll understand.”

Dan arrives, he and Debbi having recently made amends. It’s so good to see him, to get a Dan hug.

By mid-day, we’re all gathered around Deb’s TV. Julie had insisted on going to work at the hotel, but Tim’s there, and Sara. Kate pops in and out. We’re just looking at the screen, trying to process the event.

Suddenly, in the spirit of Elizabeth, we decide to pool our resources for a pot-luck. We all grab whatever’s appropriate from our respective refrigerators, and soon, we have a meal, complete with wine and beer. And when we need more wine and beer (and God knows, we will), we run down to the corner.

Together, we get through the day.

Later that night, I go into Deb’s kitchen to do some dishes. I need to get away from the television. As I begin soaping plates and glasses, something inside me opens up and allows me to feel. I turn off the water and quietly take myself outside, through Deb’s kitchen door. I sit on the short wall that borders the driveway, and I let myself bawl like a fucking baby.

After a few minutes, Julie comes out to see if I’m okay. “I thought you’d be out here crying,” she says, as she gives me a hug.

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I hope never again to experience the disorientation that was September 11th. But if I must, I hope I’m again surrounded by people I love. There is no other way to handle such a day.

But I’ve also learned from the neighbors who have become my friends that it’s not just a day like September 11th that one should have to handle alone. It’s any day. Because, on any day, your sense of balance might be thrown; your sense of the future might feel completely up for grabs; your sense of yourself might lose its context. And when that happens, it’s good to have people around you who never had to love you, but who chose to – over time.

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Sometimes, when I’m in my apartment, I’ll hear my neighbors chatting outside, and I’ll decide to join them. Other times when I hear them, I’ll decide to stay in. This is the privacy I always craved; the privacy I once thought was synonymous with being an unfriendly neighbor. This is respect and unconditional love. We place no requirements on our friendships. We have no expectations. We just happen to be there for each other. And the reality of that, which is bigger than all of us, enables each of us to grow in amazing ways.

***

2011 Postscript: This essay reflects an era that’s come and gone. With the exception of Tim, all referenced neighbors have moved away (though Deb and Julie remain dear friends). Several years ago, Jack sold the building to Stanley (an angel of a landlord), and last year, Stanley sold the building to some Not-a-Person, LLC. And so my building has become typical. I am blessed, though, for having “lived here when.” Few people get such an enchanting experience of love, spirit, and spontaneity. I will always be grateful for the timing.

15 comments:

Sarah Tokeley said...

I really enjoyed these essays. I love the voice and the love that shines through.

Cheryl said...

Beautifully done piece. I lived in this type of place once. I remember it fondly.

Anonymous said...

I am all for unconditional love. Perhaps we find it wherever we live if we open ourselves up to it and if we need it. Sounds as though, in a certain time and a place, you and your neighbours held the secret. I also believe that sometimes, people come into our lives for a short time for a purpose. The purpose here is clear. Thanks for sharing these essays with us Katie.

Unknown said...

I love these essays you're doing...you're an amazing writer.

After reading this post, would like to invite you to take a look at the The Rule of Three Blogfest ---a month-long shared-world fiction extravaganza in October.

Sign up if you like. I for one would welcome the story that would emerge from a powerful writer like you.

Sioux Roslawski said...

Katie--This was well-worth the time it took to wait for each installment. It was lovely to read about your earlier life, the beginnings of your artwork with beads, and your neighbors/friends.

Thanks so much for sharing.

Elisa DeLany said...

It's amazing how people who don't know each other can come together like that simply by living together in an apartment building. I was never lucky enough to experience that, but it sounds like something beautiful and painful and wonderful at the same time.

Jules said...

You didn't think I miss the last part did you? No way and what an ending!! Neighbors on that day or any day well... you said it best.

Great read Katie. :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

cj Schlottman said...

Katie,

Isn't it interesting how tragedies, small and gargantuan, brings people together. From your sweet neighbor who helped with you bracelets to the unbelievable events of 9/11, togetherness was the result.

I, too, believe in unconditional love, but I also believe it is rare. You are blessed to have been where you were "when."

As always, your readable style shines through, and I can internalize your feelings. This series was great. How about another?

Namaste..........cj

Sandwiched Writer said...

Hi, Katie. I've read all three installments... and felt drawn to this place you've called home. Can't imagine what it must have been like to be so close to Manhattan on 9/11.

Side note: I've mentioned you with regard to a Liebser, although you have more than 200 followers.

Linda Medrano said...

Katie, this was absolutely lovely and it gave me chills thinking about the horror of that day and the disorientation I felt for weeks after. I'm so glad you "connected" with people near you. It helped me too.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Lovely, Katie. It's amazing the things that can pull us together.

"But I’ve also learned from the neighbors who have become my friends that it’s not just a day like September 11th that one should have to handle alone. It’s any day. Because, on any day, your sense of balance might be thrown; your sense of the future might feel completely up for grabs; your sense of yourself might lose its context. And when that happens, it’s good to have people around you who never had to love you, but who chose to – over time. "

This is so true.

Nadja Notariani said...

Katie ~
Beautiful, just beautiful.
I'm glad to have met you through the Campaign, and have enjoyed your posts so much. I posted a link to your blog page in my Sunday post. Hope I lead more readers to your great page! Have a great week, Katie ~ Nadja

jonyangorg said...

Powerful, thanks for the story/memory.

Kristy @Loveandblasphemy said...

Oh, wow, now this is a great tribute piece.

Deb Shucka said...

It's so cool that you used this story to tell your story of 9/11. One of your best pieces of writing - an essay that I think needs a much wider audience than your blogging community.