There's a funny little saying not found so often being said anymore. It goes " The exuberance of youth is found in its waste." 

   I'd have to differ simply because it was there in that youth and my present day's exuberance of those memories...i discovered a golden ticket. It went something like: Playing outside until the street lights turned on. Being at the playground under the watchful eye of hawk-like neighbors. Those neighbors making up the community that guided, enlightened and chastened its children. I remember being seen and not heard (and all that i got away with because of that fine rule). Not being allowed to intrude upon, linger about or interrupt adult conversations (and all that i got away with because of that one too). I remember chores being performed because one was a member of a household, and even small loads needs must be fulfilled, and small hands will do.

   I remember my weekly allowance and 5 hamburgers for a $1 and they were...big uns! A dozen donuts for a dollar, and a penny bag filled with candy for pennies on the dollar. Pillow cases filled with treats on halloween and no one trying to poison children. I remember not running from the police. I remember shoveling the snow and cutting grass, first at home and then at a few neighbors for a few dollars...to bolster that allowance. Shoveling the snow or cutting the grass for that old lady who didn't walk or move so well. Yea, my mother told me to do it but several other parents told their sons as well and we all took turns. 

I remember her, my mother, being a school going, job having, work hard single parent...until the step-father stepped in. her job didn't change But with him and then the Riot...things changed.

Even so, to this day i remember the sweet essence most of those years held golden...in that golden place.

However as history is known to do...things changed. But what a home, Detroit was for me!