I lived in the same town for at least forty years before moving to Ohio (another story, blame Tiffany). My family is one of the original, founding families of our Parish. I went to school, went to church in the same school and church that my children, my sister, my niece and nephew all attended. The State University, from which I graduated, is also in Wayne, New Jersey. I returned to the High School to teach Art for a while!
Over the years, as you can imagine, everyone knows/knew everyone. When starving for company or information, to flaunt a new outfit or hair-do, to see and be seen, everybody who was anyone and all of the somebody want to be's found their way to the "A & P Shopping Center" on the corner of Valley Road and Preakness Avenue. For instance, the owner of the Liquor Store knew how my seasonal wreath business was going because I would send my Father to the Hardware Store to ship form that establishment. The Pharmacist knew that I was on the way to the hospital to have Tiffany before our Parish Priest, because, Steve told the clerk in the A & P when he ran in for a pack of cigarettes while I waited in the car uncomfortably. The owner of the Barber Shop could advise troubled marriages and the Shoemaker was an expert on raising children (also, his prices were better if one brought him a cup of black coffee on hangover mornings with their ailing shoes). The Sweet Shoppe was info central for all generations. The founding fathers of Wayne and the local politicians had a table in the back where they congregated every morning. High School students who were not supposed to be "out" for lunch could depend on the waitress, Joyce, not to "rat" them out when the Principal would occasionally (rare) stroll across Valley Road to "check". When in doubt, you could always find company for a cup of coffee in Dunkin' Donuts. What you didn't learn from the aisles in the A & P, you heard there! The Post Office regulars only had to enter the government establishment and they were informed as to whether they should even bother with their mail that day or not. The hair salon may have used "spoolies", but the older citizens flocked there. At the Fun and Fashion Boutique, the proprietor knew my taste and weaknesses. It would take a split second for me to walk out of there with arms loaded with overflowing shopping bags. By the time the items were in the car, my mother would be waiting for me in my driveway to see my purchases because at least five friends had seen me! I taught the Florist's daughter how to twirl a baton when I coached the PAL Twirlers. The Realtor's son went to school with me and taught my son Karate. I taught many of Wayne's Catholic children their prayers as a teacher in the Religious Ed. program. Eventually, even my son taught the Junior High School Age of Religious Ed. students. Former students would help me load groceries into my car and help me get my children situated after shopping. One of them was from a family who was not only active in our Parish, but was a former Art student of mine. His family owned/owns Valley Amusements (carnival rides and attractions). I ran into the clan and their wares at the Ohio State Fair one year, by the way. There was never a "quick trip" to the , shall we say, Town Square. Allow, perhaps thirty minutes for actual business and at least an hour meeting, greeting, chatting, confiding, sympathizing and solving. When I go home to visit, if we drive, we stop at the shopping center on the way to my Parents' house. By the time I get home, my Mother already knows what I am wearing. If I fly into Newark Airport, the designated "pick up Laura" person cruises through the A & P parking lot, "just in case". It has been said that Wayne is the biggest small town in the world.
AND SO
For the past ten years, I have lived in Ohio. I have considered myself "the new kid on the block" and a "stranger in a strange land". Unless the trio is with me (Todd, Tess, Tanner...many other stories), I basically move around in my own bubble of anonymity. Without them, I have shopped alone, worshipped alone, found my way to salons, spas...alone. Of course, through the Church, Patriotic organizations and the TV Studio, I am not totally isolated. There are social affairs, interactions and the like. However, but for the most part, I feel invisible, quiet. (Okay, over the top?) How quiet can one feel with 8,7,5 year olds around 24/7?
AND THEN
Last week, I had an appointment with Dr. Thuney for some routine blood work. As I entered the office, there sat Dennis. "Hey! Kiddo, what are ya doin' here?" I was shocked. I ran into someone who knew me and I him! We sat and made medical small talk until I was asked to go with a nurse.
From the Doctor's office, I went to daily Mass at noon. After Mass, a woman approached me and said, "Laura! How is Todd's tennis game? I'll bet Tanner is getting so big! Is Tess still dancing?" Kim used to be the baby sitter at the Tennis Club! We had a fifteen minute catch-up chat fest!
From the Church, I ran into the Library to pick up/drop off books. A resident at my apartment complex recognized me! He asked about my bulldozer (yet another story...Villager, you know it) and what I was reading!
I had to make a stop at the Post Office. As I was leaving, there, in line stood Helga! We talked about her son's wedding, her new great-grandchild and one on the way! She was on her way to visit another granddaughter for a birthday! And so the conversation went until someone approached the line. Rick said, "Hey Laura! Hey Helga! What are ya'll don' here? Judy sent me to..." Oh, my gosh! I was conversing with "friends" that I just happened to see at random,! Wow!
As I left the Post Office, a friend phoned. "Hey, kid, what are you doing? Brit (his granddaughter) is visiting from Florida and I thought that you could meet us at Friendly's." With wings on my jalopy, I flew to Friendly's - right down the street. After I slid into the booth, our waitress, Ginger said, "Hi there! I haven't seen you at the Post (VFW) forever! What have you been up to? How is your daughter?"
As I entered my home, after a full, social day, I was elated! The phone rang. It was Suzanne. "You know that Jim and I are getting married in October. Can I count on you to..."
I am not "the new kid on the block" anymore. I am not a "stranger in a strange land" anymore. I see and am seen. I meet and greet everywhere I turn suddenly!
I just can't wait until September when I am going home again to tell everyone at the A & P Shopping Center!
