Getting Old and Getting Out
In New York City
byHerb Bardavid
This is Steve
Steve was born in New York City and has always lived here. He has lived in all five boroughs but likes Manhattan the best. He feels this is the best city in the world. He has everything that he could want. He goes to concerts, movies, and plays. He said, "I can go to the Met and the Mets." He had season tickets to the Mets, as he is a huge fan. He has been following them in the offseason and thinks they will be better next year so he is considering buying season tickets again.
In the 60s and 70s, he would frequently hang out with friends in Bryant Park. He still hangs out there with all of his friends, who are now in their 60s and 70s.
Our conversation lasted longer than 9 minutes, and I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Steve. I found that despite his serious disability, he has a cheerful, positive outlook on life. As we said goodbye, he said: "I am getting better, not worse." Steve will continue to get out and enjoy the city and its people he loves so much.
Steve was sitting in his wheelchair on 72nd street near Broadway. I explained my blog to him and asked if he would permit me to photograph him and ask some questions. He said yes, looking at the time on his phone. He said I had nine minutes and I said I can do that.
Steve is 65 years old and is a retired Social Studies teacher and then some. He taught at both the high school and college levels. He has also been a writer and a photographer. He showed me his photographs of Jerry Garcia, Warren Zevon, and several other rock and roll musicians. He currently provides medical cannabis consultations. Or as it is stated on his business card "CBD/Holistic Alternative Medication Treatments." Steve has been married and divorced three times. He currently lives alone in Manhattan. He has a daughter with whom he had a falling out and they no longer speak. " I am okay with that. It is what it is."
Steve is in a wheelchair. He has MS. He said getting around in Manhattan with a wheelchair has been fairly easy for him since everyone tries to be helpful and accommodating. He finds that even in places that don't have ramps, store vendors will come out to open doors for him or give him a wide berth for his wheelchair. He believes people in New York City are the kindest and most thoughtful. For example, on several occasions, when he attended a ball game, someone would buy him a beer. "Just because." When describing his feelings about the city, he said it is a "wonderful, wonderful place to live." I asked him if there was anything he didn't like about the city. He couldn't think of anything and would have to think about that. He does own a car, which is somewhat unusual for a Manhattanite. When he drives, he only drives the car to go out of the city, not in the city.
