I come from a place called Malden, MA. It's where I grew up, learned to walk, talk, swim, and ride bikes. I remember a time ages ago when all of us kids would come out into the street and just play and shoot the breeze.
Those who grew up in Malden know it's an old city that's gone through a lot of change. I remember when I first heard the parking lot by our house used to have a house and a gas station, now it's just empty space. Malden was established in 1649, making it over 300 years old!
Most people know the only good thing about Malden is that it's close to everything. Malden doesn't especially stand out (though the first Converse factory was opened here), but you're an easy train or car ride to pretty much anywhere you would want to be.
I grew up two blocks from the T, by the time I was 13 I was riding the T by myself to meet up with friends, go out to cool places. It felt like such freedom. Long before any of us could learn to drive I was tasting true freedom able to go anywhere in Boston and Greater Boston I desired (and of course was MBTA accesible).
While I was home schooled I loved that Malden High had students who spoke more than 40 languages. My mixed race family was just par for the course in Malden. There was always a mix of Black, Hispanic, White, and Asian families on our street and in general. It was unique to know that the uniqueness of our family was actually pretty common.
I don't live in Malden anymore, but I think about how it was such a safe and happy place to grow up. I think about walking over to friends houses, and knowing the people who worked at the local convenience store, knowing the best ice cream shops, and when the pool was least busy. The things you pick up and learn when you know a place. When you love it.
Sometimes when I go visit my parents I think about the city I grew up in (though back then I would tell you I lived in Boston, because if you're within a five mile radius, you're basically a Bostonian, or maybe that's just me), I think about how this city shaped me.
I think about how I had the chance to grow up in such a diverse city without being in the intensity of the inner city. I think about how safe it was growing up, I never had to avoid gangs or druggies. I think about how much we enjoyed playing outdoors on our concrete strips; it was such a treat to be able to go to the local park, until we got too cool for that of course.
I bet if you're from Malden you can recall the freedom, the diversity, the history, and the safety. I bet if you're from Malden, you think about how close you were to Boston and how you felt the best things in life we're always a walk down the street or at most a train ride away. I bet if you're from Malden you remember going to Blockbuster every Saturday to check out the newest VHS. I bet if you're from Malden you got used to hearing multiple languages as you walked down the street. I bet if you're from Malden you know that Dairy Delights is the place to go for good ice cream. I bet if you're from Malden you know that in 2008 it was deemed by Business Week Magazine: Best Place to Raise Your Kids" and you 100% agree, you may not ever go back to live there, but you're glad you got to live out your childhood there all the same.
