Oh boy. I’ve spent the day unable to shake this piece. I grew up on the southwest side of Chicago. Every house had front steps. After the news in the warmer months you would go out and sit. Dad had a cigarette. Mom would sit with dad with her housecoat around her knees. Us kids would come out and sit and listen to the conversations. Neighbors would walk over and linger - leaning against the rail by the stairs if the steps were full. Younger kids would fall asleep in the laps of those who were willing to hold and comfort. It was such an extension of my life this front stair community.
That's a lovely memory, and you make it so clear and poignant yet unremarkable - except that it would be remarkable now. I truly believe we need to revive experiences like this to be happy and healthy.
Oh boy. I’ve spent the day unable to shake this piece. I grew up on the southwest side of Chicago. Every house had front steps. After the news in the warmer months you would go out and sit. Dad had a cigarette. Mom would sit with dad with her housecoat around her knees. Us kids would come out and sit and listen to the conversations. Neighbors would walk over and linger - leaning against the rail by the stairs if the steps were full. Younger kids would fall asleep in the laps of those who were willing to hold and comfort. It was such an extension of my life this front stair community.
That's a lovely memory, and you make it so clear and poignant yet unremarkable - except that it would be remarkable now. I truly believe we need to revive experiences like this to be happy and healthy.