A Rainy Day in Harlem

GiGi’s Playhouse – and Harlem – have continued to be an eye-opening experience for this grandfather. On this past Wednesday I drove into the city from Connecticut to view two properties as potential new homes for the Playhouse. I was soon to discover the treasure of my day lay not in real estate but in people.

The afternoon was dreary and wet; I had driven around the block twice and finally found a parking spot. I quickly backed in, turned the key and sat back to relax for a few moments. Across the street a small crowd had gathered and my first thought was, what mishap is unfolding in this East Harlem neighborhood? Looking down the street I saw a large van pulled over, engine running, emergency flashers on. The driver lowered the pneumatic tailgate to street level. A group of workers hurried to carry the boxes to the tables that were set up alongside the wire fencing of the empty playground. I realized this was a food bank and the workers were volunteers.

I sat in the warmth and dryness of my car and observed the well-rehearsed scenario. The delivery truck pulled away and the waiting patrons continued to socialize. Staples of fresh baked bread, boxed powdered milk, canned goods were being arranged in small plastic bags. Soon a matronly woman came forward. She stood proudly with a commanding presence, her open coat revealing a bright red dress. She stood on the wet Harlem sidewalk, clipboard in hand – she was a ray of sunshine in the gloom of this day. She read a name and someone stepped forward – a name, not a number. Each in turn handed her a voucher and proceeded to a variety of stocked tables.

Those waiting in the rain continued to socialize. I was struck by the orderliness and respect shown by everyone. A diversity of need, but there was no poverty of spirit here. The volunteers placed the items into wheeled carts, strollers, bags – arms. There was a young man posted at the bread table. I was drawn to the care with which he handled each loaf of bread, his brief eye contact and smile conveying his sincere intentions. And each patron in turn reciprocated with a smile and a thank you. Within minutes the crowd was gone. The remaining supplies were boxed, the tables folded and all set into a nearby building.

I got out of the car now, ready for my appointment. As I crossed the street I met the lady in the red dress. She smiled. Instinctively, I placed my hand over my heart. A bigger smile now as she exclaimed, “It’s for the people!”

Within the course of a few minutes I had witnessed the way to a better world. Diversity, inclusion, strangers genuinely giving to each other out of their own need. I neared the busy corner and watched the young man and his friend as they crossed Lexington Avenue, a young man with Down syndrome, walking in the rain, having done his part to make the world a better place. I will remember him.

Have we done our part today?

World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st and we are having a party at GiGi’s Playhouse! Come celebrate with us! Get the details on our website: www.gigisplayhouse.org/newyork

Welcome to GiGi’s Playhouse!

Richard Reilly
The Grandparent Connection
GiGi’s Playhouse NYC