I was born in Springfield MA many years ago. My mom had split up from my dad and was raising us herself in a brick apartment building. She passed away when I was in my early twentys. I never felt poor or needy back in those days. Mom always made sure we had what we needed. It is only recently with my becoming a single parent myself that I can relate to how difficult it must have been for her. She never complained. She slept on the couch so my brother and sister could have our own bedrooms. Many times, I would be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the washer chugging away at the laundry. Long after I was asleep, she would end her day by pulling the cloths out and hanging them on racks that my grandfather made. We didn't have a dryer.
Growing up poor in the city meant that you had to be resourceful for your entertainment. On days we weren't playing stickball with a taped up tennis ball and broomstick, I would turn to a pencil and paper and draw away an afternoon. I loved to draw and could spend hours at it.
My mom eventually remarried and we moved to Swampscott MA, a coastal town. Being close to the ocean after living in the city had a tremendous effect on me. When I needed to decide on a careerpath, I choose to attend Mass Maritime Academy and become an officer in the merchant marine. I spent four years working in the waters around Mexico.
While exciting, I needed to leave the sea when it was time to settle down and raise a family. I got a job in IT working for John Hancock in Boston where I worked for 21 years. We bought a house and my wife gaver birth to my constant source of joy.
The three most important drivers in my life are Jesus, my daughter Christina and my art.
I try to walk in the way of Jesus but it's hard (he walks fast). I wash dished most Monday evenings at the local soup kitchen. My friend Don is the chef and it is a source of pride to see nearly two hundred folks (some living on the streets) get a warm meal on a cold or dreary day. They come in for the social aspect of sharing a meal almost as much as the food (which Don assures is delicious).
Working so many hours in Boston took it's toll on my wife and she felt the need to leave me. At this juncture of my life I was severely depressed. When my daughter Christina was given a choice, she picked to live with me. It probably saved my life. She has always been and will always be my constant source of joy. I did find it ironic that I was put into the role my mom held when I was Christina's age. We struggled. I learned to heat water on the stove so Christina could have a bath when our gas was shut off. Christina never complained. I love her more than anyone else on earth. She is soon attending college in Bridewater. I will miss her greatly.
My art has always been a vent for pressures of life. When things get me anxious or depressed, I turn to art to lift me up. Several years ago a doctor diagnosed me with a rare blood desease and gave me a 40% chance of living five years. I turned out a lot of art since. Art is a constant sense of hope. Someday I hope to make a meager living at art. Till then I am very happy to sell a piece of pottery or a photograph. It lifts my soul to know that my work is appreciated.