Looking for Love on the R-Train

Handwritten "personal" found Saturday night on the R-Train from Queens. I PROMISE.

Are you recently out of a relationship and ready to jump back in the dating pool? Maybe just looking for a little adult fun time? If so, I think Papa has found your guy.

DateDating30@gmail.com is on the town and looking for Mrs. Right! If you enjoy things like "cigarette meet dates" and "the aquarium," this may be your fella. And what about "dutch dating," a "cake and ice cream date" or just a quick chat over "soda." You have to admit, this guy is creative. 

Of course, DateDating30 is also cool with "One Nite Stands," but only those that can earn his ALL CAPS Seal of Approval.

Is it risky to go on a blind date with someone you found while riding the R train out of Queens? Sure. Is it really, really possible that this guy is a total Dexter? You betcha! But as writer Chuck Palahnuik says, "The only way to find true happiness is to risk being completely cut open."

Well said, sir. Well said.

Location:New York, NY

10 YEARS LATER...

From the corner of 35th Avenue and 41st Street in Astoria, the end of our block, you can see the lights that burn in memory of those who died on September 11, 2001.  You can see them from many parts of our neighborhood.  I imagine you can see them from most everywhere in New York.  That makes sense.  Every person who lived in New York at that time, at least those I've met, has a immediate connection to the tragedy.  Either they lost someone, or they knew someone who lost someone, or they themselves had to run from the rubble.  

Certainly no one has a more important connection to 9/11 than children.  Recently, I saw on a program that there THOUSANDS of kids who were orphaned by the attack.  The rest of their lives, without a parent, because of hate and ignorance. Without getting political, it's fair to say that in the military response, thousands more were added to this number.  As long as I live, I will refuse to see the fairness or justification in such man-made loss.  

Whatever your feelings, today, tomorrow, and the next day - but especially today - hold your kid close.  Tell them you love them, even if they're acting nasty.  Parenting is no cake walk, but I'm grateful to be around to do it. And today of all days, give some good thoughts to those who aren't.