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Corner of Grove and Monroe

Adelaida Avila

        13 years. God it seems like yesterday we were altogether at the upholstery shop on Monroe Street. 973-478-1249 that phone number will forever be embedded in my brain. I love Monroe Street. I drive down that street often. I look at each and every spot you had a shop. The first one was closest to Main Avenue, the second one was on the corner of Monroe and Grove and the third and last shop was closest to Myrtle.
    My favorite and fondest memories are of your shop at the corner of Monroe and Grove. In high school I’d walk down Gregory cut through the back of a building that was on Hope and come out on the other side on Henry Street. I’d continue down Grove until I got to your store. I’d check in (I’m sorry now I didn’t stay for a while) and then head on home to clean and start dinner for mom. I love that corner, Monroe and Grove, so many happy memories, so many happy times.
    Back then I didn’t have the capacity to appreciate you for who you were. I didn’t see your struggles to support and provide for us. You worked long hard hours. Your only day off was Sunday. You lounged on the couch all day watching TV. I remember every New Years Day you’d watch the Twilight Zone marathon from the first episode to the last.
    I think of you and my chest swells with pride. Carlos has your ambition and drive. I have your smarts. I miss our talks at the kitchen table. We discussed politics, the death penalty, the state of the world, the vanity of people, the lack of ambition the young latino men had. You came here by yourself, later you sent for mom, you learned English, you learned a trade and with mom’s unconditional love and support ventured out on your own and opened what turned out to be a very successful upholstery shop. Each move was to a bigger and better location, that’s how well you did.
    I have your love of music, Pa. I don’t sing, play the guitar or write my own lyrics the way you did but I appreciate it in all forms. During this time of year I long with all my might to hear you playing the guitar and singing aguinaldos.
    I still can’t believe it, that you’re gone, 13 years its been. Pa, Christmas has never been the same without you. The year after you died there was no where to go so everyone stayed home. Since then I’m sure they’ve all begun their own traditions. It’s amazing how one person impacted so many lives.
    I wish my kids weren’t deprived of you. I feel cheated of your zest for life, your love of music and our long night conversations about everything or nothing at all. I’m jealous of all those in heaven who get to listen to you. Wish I was there, temporarily, just for a little while, to soak it all in and bring it back with me.
    We have our own tradition now. Nothing at all like what we had at the shop on the corner of Monroe and Grove. Christmas has never been the same without you.
    Feliz Navidad, pa. I love you and I miss you so very much.
    “Por esa engrata mujer?.” sing that one for me pa, it’s my favorite.
    Love your daughter,
    Adie



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