After I graduated grade 13, I decided, attend community college for a post secondary education , had very little savings just enough to pay for one semesters tuition, Applied to one college in particular as It did not require high school English , I had refused to take English past grade ten, thought it was so silly reading and deconstructing books This college had an internal practical two semester English course. Got accepted, paid for semesters, applied for student loan and grant, though would not see for months. Starts looking for place to live during tour of college noticed they had bus fleet completely black buses. One bus route was straight down from the college right down almost to the lake Just off a road called Browns line See map you will see what caught my eye. Saw ad on bulletin for room small house just off browns line on a street called Foch Avenue You cannot make this stuff up do not believe look it up, a lady and her daughter were living here. Renting out s small room in basement hot plate bar fridge bed plank with a few folded blankets for mattress. Only $18 per week I had a budget of $25 so $7 left for food had already bought bus pass for semester. Only ate one meal a day 39 cents can have condensed tomato soup and milk to make cream soup, block of cheddar cheese and a loaf of bread was my daily meal. After The first few classes I was sitting alone on a bench outside one of the labs, when a classmate walked up asked if he could sit introduced himself, said my name is Dan, what is yours interested in being friends Had to think it over then said sure. On the bus one day another classmate yelled out any body here like physics Started talking about the simple model of the atom Bohr atom, I told him more to it than this overly simple. We got into a good discussion rest of passengers looking at us who are these nut bars. After few days found out my new friend Dan lived only a mile away next city over, visited him a few times took short cut following railway track and trestle almost got hit by train once on trestle. Ran like hell jumped off track. More time went by he owned car asked where I lived told him Foch Avenue, his response is you kidding. My response look it up, A few days later while making my daily meal he stopped by. This is the way your living. Told him no issue. Week later he came to me in class said I spoke to my mom we have an extra room you are moving in with us I asked how much He said nothing room and board no charge. I Could not believe it we studied together he had his on back story dropped out of grade 13 had beef with his chemistry teacher. He had a 4.0 grade point at the end of the three years. We ecame very good friends. Then one day I got a notice from my high school about graduation ceremonies he offered to drive me down. Told him there would most likely be a few parties. He is a big guy strong wrestler in high school I introduced him to a few fellow classmates he asked classmate what is your future plans said going to university taking history guy. Told guy that’s a waste of time. Then I asked is their an after party. Another classmate a woman said who I barely knew said why do you guys come over to my place. Sounded like a plan We get there her parents are still home, we all chatted I guess he chatted to her more I Was getting to know her parents. We soon left drove home , over the next few months noticed he was dating her resulting in us both getting invited to parties She had got accepted by a another college Sheridan early childhood education Dan and I were going to Humber college. So we attended stuff at her college, Got through four semesters living at his place Then the real fun started found out I would no longer be able to live at his place. Was surprised grateful not complaining First day of fifth semester found out he had gotten married plus was father. Now I understood. My mistake should not have told him about my graduation. Now 47 years later he has 5 daughters and I still owe his mother who passed away years ago promised my self I would pay this back forward, Over the years we have rented rooms in our four bedroom house to pay off mortgage. Being a former landlord this was easy. Kids left home one bedroom office library, another a home gym and fourth a spare bedroom When my dad passed we got a desk added office chair plan was to rent room to local college student for good deal Fortunately we do not need the extra income.
