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| The day after the fire, James Monroe Elementary School photo by Caryl Felicetta |
I haven't been back to the old neighborhood in years, but the news of this blaze set social media on fire and the pictures posted, links to news reports and comments from many of my childhood friends offered real time reporting and brought back a flood of shared memories.
What strikes me about the tragedy of this fire and the response of those of us who grew up walking to and from school- and often home for lunch as well, is how fortunate we are to have had this sense of community.
By the time I got to high school I was restless for life beyond suburbia and wanted adventures in new and varied places. And "my story" seemed to be I grew up in Edison, NJ and couldn't wait to get out of there. That may be true as from NJ I went to New York, California, Hawaii and then as life would have it- came full circle back to Edison in the mid 90's- only to want to get out of there again.
But as I think about the fire and read the responses by my fellow classmates and neighbors I am reminded that we were given strong roots so that we could fly.
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| Roots & Wings embossed collograph with graphite, acrylic, collage 44" x 30"
©NanciHersh
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Some of us returned, some of us did not, but I believe that we each have a strong sense of who we are because of our time together at James Monroe.
2 comments:
I am moved by your blog. I also feel that I was trapped in that style of suburbia living. What has struck a cord in me is the sense of community that was created in that little suburb of the Heights. That community is part of my foundation which are my roots. Not only is James Monroe a part of my core but the people who shared that with me will always be part of my roots that led me on my journey! I am gratiful to return there in spirit but to share in this sadness does hurt. The school will be rebuilt, the memories are still etched in my heart but to be able to visit back there through this with those special people have been comforting! And you my dear friend have been a strong part of that!
Thank you Sharon. It is amazing how our lives began together at james monroe took its twists and turns and found us back together again. I will always be grateful for my friendship with you and others that were formed at back then and continue to thrive.
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