OUT OF THE STAGE DOOR

As I opened the stage door and headed to the basement the odor hit my nose like a lightning rod. It reminded me of the inside of a dirty old sneaker. At that moment, I knew I had to quit my job.

It was the anniversary of my surviving a brutal attack. Three long years had passed and I was feeling grateful to be alive. As I lay in bed that morning, I had deemed it my Re-Birthday. I decided that my life had to change; it was just a matter of when.

My cats, Clive and Duke came to coax me out of bed. I followed them into the kitchen and fed them while I brewed myself a strong cup of coffee. Cup in hand, I headed to the patio to clear my head. As I sat in my garden, I repeatedly affirmed that I would have a good day despite my dread of going to work.

My morning continued with my usual subway commute. It was 11 am when I arrived at the theater. While walking down the narrow stairs to the basement, I muttered "Why am I working somewhere that is so unhealthy for me?"

I plopped my bag on top of the too low, cramped work table and sighed. Taking a deep breath, I began my daily ritual of setting up my workspace. Ironing board to the left, sewing machine in front of me and with the flick of a switch I began my work.

I sat quietly stitching, ironing and checking off completed tasks from the to-do list. A snide comment from my boss as she entered my tranquil space was the final straw. I had to give my notice that day and get back into the light.

Later, my boss had asked me to grab lunch with her. As we silently walked back to the theatre I got up the nerve to make my statement. Waiting for light to change at the corner of 47th and 8th I said, "I think it's time." "Time for what?" she replied. "Time to give you my notice," I said. "I quit. I am done."

My decision lifted my spirits immediately and I felt happier than I had in years. I ate my lunch in bliss and then continued to repair and alter the costumes from the rack directly behind me. My space seemed to have grown bigger and brighter with the knowledge that I had set myself free.

Thoughts of leaving the theater business had been on my mind for a long time. Basement after basement, show after show I dreamed of a better way of life. Being a Broadway tailor had its security but I knew that I was not following my heart. I began to plan my new life.