It was warm when I arrived in that big city- a suitcase and my purse are the only legacies I had left to my name. I could start over here. I could be someone new here.
My driver was a nice man from Delaware- he told me that the city was old and that I was brave for traveling so far alone. He was a kind man. He told me the weather was going to change soon. He knew nothing about me... I don't think I knew anything about me.
We got to this broke down apartment over in West Philadelphia. I remember thinking... this can't be the right address. But it was and that was just the beginning to my endless self struggle. I thought I could start over here.
The weather changed fast- overnight it was freezing and I was struggling to find warm enough clothes. I remember thinking... how the **** can anyone live here? I remember thinking ... how the **** am I going to make it here?
I learned a lot about myself that month I spent in the city. I learned how to take a subway, how to take a bus, who to talk too and who to avoid. I learned I can survive being alone. I also learned.... you can't run from yourself.