THERE IT WAS! THE OLD BROWN GATE,
covered over with white paint, swinging open
to the front lawn. Beyond, the house had ten broad,
well-worn steps to a large porch. On one side of the porch
was a glider comfortable enough to hold and sleep adults and
children on warm summer nights. There was enough room under the porch to
hide children, animals and secret treasures.
The front door opened to a large, square hallway that lead to two ample stairways leading to four
bedrooms. The third floor lead to more bedrooms and an attic for storage. On the first floor,
one side of the house held a small sitting parlor behind which was more room. The living and
dinning rooms were across the hallway. The kitchen was in the back with old-fashioned cabinets
and appliances. Two dogs and a cat were housed in the yard. The animals came in and out of
the kitchen for warmth when the weather was cold.
Polly was a writer, editor, and political activist who took her five children to the South to work
with women who wanted to learn about child development in the sixties. When she returned to
Washington, DC, she moved into the large home I have described. Polly's home was located on
a small street that also offered space in the back yard where she grew vegetables. When
her children began to develop carers of their own, to keep up with expenses, Polly rented rooms
to a few students. She also purchased a small tract of land in Pennsylvania where the children and grandchildren helped her build whatever they needed. Her beat-up truck had enough room in the
back to pile everyone willing to help at the Farm and supplies.
When I visited Polly, I often shared a cup of tea. Though we were both interested in politics, we
shared or own aspirations as women, mothers and grandmothers. I thought of all of this as we
passed the Mega Mansion now being built where Polly's home once was.
I thought too,we need not bemoan the past. But now we need to look to the future as our children
create memories of their own.
Beverly
beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com
Wear your mask. Wash your hands.
Get your shot. VOTE
