A Journey

A Journey from Anshe Emet to Garfield Park Field House

At Anshe Emet, a girl spoke with her voice and became a woman within her
community and within her family.

She spoke of prayer, service, sacrifice, ancestors and of miracles sixty years ago. She moved the crowd with her hope for the future.

Cousins, aunts, uncles, mom, dad, brother and sister embraced and celebrated her, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to bask in sweet vicarious love for a few more moments, but I was called to Garfield Park, to a wedding reception.

The taxi took me to the Southside. I needed to go to Garfield and Cottage Grove. The CTA said that is where I would find the Garfield Park Field House. The taxi parted me with my thirty dollars and left me in an unknown land. (At the Corner of Garfield and Cottage Grove) I asked rugby players, "Where is Garfield Park Field House?” “I don’t know.” was their response. I walked all over a park, which became known to me as Washington Park. Fear began to grip me. I called my sister and my brother-law for help. They were at the wedding reception. They didn’t answer their cell-phones. I started to cry. I prayed to G-d for help. “Please help me G-d.” I looked for an answer. In the mean time, I asked a father and son walking on the street, "How can I get to Garfield Park?" The father directed me to the Garfield bus. I thought yes, maybe I would find my way. The bus driver let me off at a building that was locked up. Panic gripped me again, “Oh shit!”

Good fortune smiled upon or an angel sent some love my way in front of that locked up building. Another father and young son also parked in front. I told them of my challenge and being lost. They acted with care and brought me safely to the Red-line. Standing on the Red-line platform, I thanked G-d for my well-being and answering me. I never made it to Garfield Park Field House today, but I went on a journey I was supposed to experience. I found my own voice to speak up and ask for help until I got it. Everything happens for a reason.