I originally started this memoir after the passing of my mom. She died 20 years ago. I found myself in a sort of frantic state that I might forget the important memories of our past together. Thus started my need to document every memory and event I could remember. After talking with my brothers about our family gatherings, so many stories started swirling around in my head. Lists turned to pages which turned into chapters, which included, of course, my neighborhood. Pelham Parkway was my stomping grounds for my first 20 years on this planet. So many different places and people weaved in and out of that time and I realized that there was so much more than just a couple of pages to write about. The street that I lived on had its own story; my schools, friends, extended family, vacations, the Catskills, dysfunctional lovers, etc.

This catharsis turned out to be just what I needed to be able to release whatever I was holding onto and move forward to the present moment. I loved and hated every second of this process. It was hard bringing up some of the painful memories of my teen years, but now that I’ve completed it, I feel lighter and happier.

I hope you enjoy my adventures.

Love, Michelle