201220931
One of my favorite literary moments comes at the end of James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” with Molly Bloom recalling how she accepted courter Leopold’s proposal and loading her recollection with mentions of “yes.” The novel has received relentless praise for its ingenuity and influence on storytelling, but I would rather focus on the final chapter’s affirmative nature as an inspirational force behind my current state. In last week’s issue, I talked about durability. For this space, I want to touch on acceptance, which is really what Molly is truly addressing as her husband rests beside her. Here then are my top 10 examples of how acceptance has benefited my life.
10) Time at my parish: I know I am not alone in absolutely loving the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, 1166 S. Broad St. I have been attending Mass there since 2001 and have loved not only participating in the services there but also interacting with genuinely amazing people with hearts ablaze for their faith and fellow believers.
9) Undergraduate education at Saint Joseph’s University: Petrified over the college selection process while at St. John Neumann High School, I applied only to Saint Joseph’s University. A 2001 graduate, I value my time at the Jesuit institution each day, and, of course, the Hawk Will Never Die!
8) Graduate school at Arcadia University: I found myself even more terrified to inspect graduate schools and did not start going for my master’s until ’05. I consider myself fortunate to have won acceptance to Arcadia University, which let me choose an internship as my final graduation component. Being a South Philly resident and a budding writer in ’09, I naturally chose this publication to help me to fulfill that requirement.
7) Tenure at the South Philly Review: I have enjoyed an amazing ride at this paper, serving as an intern, freelancer, staff writer, managing editor, and editor. Those sound great for a resumé, but titles cannot convey passion. I hope my nearly six-year stint as a staff member is doing that.
6) Residence in South Philly: I grew up in Southwest Philly, and though only a bridge separates my old stomping grounds from current ones, the former is a world apart from our shared expanse. South Philly has been quite kind to me and features the finest people I have ever met. Leave if you must, but keep me in your heart if you do, as you will remain in mine.
5) Bonds with readers: Having covered so many topics for this paper, I have definitely not escaped the occasional bit of backlash or condemnation; however, most of my interactions with readers have yielded much joy and have bred constant curiosity over what makes all of you tick. Thank you for our rapport.
4) Interactions with friends: Expanding on the previous explanation, I am happy to say many of my subjects have since become dear friends. Along with companions from my pre-Review days, they have taught me how to be tenacious and committed to courting and appreciating all that is good.
3) Connection with family: As a member of a large family (most of us are Italian and/or Irish, after all!), I feel immeasurably blessed to have wonderful relatives and thrilled to know that my cousins and I, by becoming parents ourselves, are keeping the craziness going.
2) Bond with my mother: I came from a broken home, so my mother had to play both parental roles. When I look back on all the sacrifices she made, I feel she actually did the work of at least 10 parents all by herself.
1) Love from my son: Way before he entered this world nearly five years ago, my son had won my everlasting devotion. When he wrapped his left hand around my corresponding index finger the day of his birth as he accepted his first bit of food, I knew I had begun to claim his. ■
Contact Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
