I would wage a bet that we all take the set of keys we have in our pockets and purses for granted, until they are lost, stolen or returned to their rightful owner… in this case my landlord. Like you, I had a ring of keys that offered a tethered commitment to the things I believed I needed. Without them, I felt a deep loss. My mailbox keys provided access to communications for maintaining my financial and physical health (mail order insulin). While there was often junk presented in a semi distracting way, my shredder was positioned to devour this treat. Since my move, I have decided to go completely green with all my accounts. Prior, I was flirting with this idea… now; my circumstance has tinted my chartreuse flirting to a full-on emerald green commitment. My keys unlocked my ability to increase discretionary income and provided an opportunity to host fishaFOOD events for friends, family and perfect strangers. "Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends". As a divorced father my keys offered a consistent experience for my son and I to meet up, to vibe, to get our "chess on", to break bread discussing our discoveries, as a family and as individuals alike.
I returned my keys to my landlord leaving me with a balance of three keys. A single padlock key; permitting scheduled access to my belongings housed in storage.The first night I misjudged the closing time and had to wait until the next morning to retrieve work clothes. A key fob to my vehicle that offers transport of a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. Most importantly, the prominent key I possess is in understanding that relationships I have formed are the most valuable possession I have. Friends and family have offered overwhelming support. Friends have offered their homes without reservation. My mother has fashioned a hub for routines to stabilize my life and keep me grounded. Her refrigerator holds my supply of insulin, her building provides a full complement of washers and dryers, her doorman holds packages and a fresh copy of the NY Times. My ex wife has been supportive in ways that I could not have imagine prior to this experience. Support reminiscent of why I first fell in love with her and continue to retain a friendship that is rooted in our combined commitment to parenting.
This week I found myself resting my head in a Union Sq loft, full of the creature comforts of a high efficient HVAC system, a comfortable full bed, forceful shower that washes away a day of uncertainty, wi-fi to stay connected to people I care the most about and company of a good friend. Thank you Lizzie! This week has been an amazing start to my experience of appreciating the places we call home and the keys that offer the best opportunity to connect with those we allow into our sanctuaries, communal environments and humble abode.
Tomorrow I am off to Dallas where I am sure I will exchange my credit card for an electronic key to a room at the Grand Hyatt. My stay will be brief, but I will be grateful to call it home for 48 hrs.
