February 1993 was the day I moved into my first apartment. I was finally on my own at age 39.

I got married at age 19 and lived with my ex-husband until December 28. 1991 and then I had no choice but to live with my mom for some time. February 1, 1993 was a great day. It was a snowy wintry New York City day but I was so happy.

My friend Linda helped me move. Linda had a small car and all that I had in the world fit in that little car. I only had clothes and nothing else. I had purchased a convertible couch and a TV both of which were to be delivered the next day. My first night in my new apartment I slept on the floor on top of a comforter.

On the way to the apartment I said to Linda that it was sad that all I had was my clothes. Linda’s reply was “Don’t worry the next place you will have stuff”. And she was right the next place I moved to was a one bedroom I purchased and yes I had things to move besides my clothes.

I may have not had much in the way of things but I now had a life!