Miracle on 63rd Street

“Dee, it’s beautiful!” my best friend Maria exclaimed as we found the newly rehabilitated house and ran up the front steps. Still speechless, we managed to get the front door open with no problem. Once inside about eight pairs of eyes of the contractor and his workers stared at me. One asked, “Are you the new owner?” Barely able to speak because of quickly scanning the huge living room, a shocked and delightfully surprised “yes” came out. Inhaling the smell of drywall, paint and fresh wood quickly overwhelmed our senses. We were amazed at the beautiful craftsmanship that was exhibited throughout the home. Walking slowly through the house as the workers cleared a path thru equipment and debris not believing the beautiful Washington Oak cabinets already installed in the kitchen. This was one of those dollar houses of a subsidized program from the government with the city of Philadelphia. A lottery appointment of applications was used with only 7 properties awarded in each area of the city. Not believing the blessing bestowed upon me, we walked trance-like through what was to me, a palace.

Finally gathering composure, excitedly stepping to the tilt out windows and looking at the huge backyard with what was also to me, a scenic view of the row houses in the back. Also in the back yard was a small patio with an electrical outlet which was just right for barbequing and lounging. Even though the floors and walls would be left for me to complete, that was fine because the program had sent us to classes and given a certificate upon completion. Making our way back through the dining room and watching our steps over the exquisite pine floors, pure delight and extreme gladness filled my heart as being so unaware of the long path that was 24 years to come of joys and tribulations of being in the new home would take me. It was called the future.