Halloween Memories: Trick-or-Treating, Life Lessons & Safety

As I got older, Halloween became about fun house parties and other events. I’ve been to quite a few parties over the years, mostly fun. One of my favorites was a house party with a great group of people. We had a falling out the second year because one of my friends was coming, and he was wearing the same costume as someone in the house. The host got really upset over it. After some exchanged words, and the fact that I couldn’t understand why he was acting that way, we decided to go elsewhere, and we haven’t really spoken since then. It’s unfortunate because we had a blast, but this guy was making a big deal out of something minor, and you know I’m not one to stay quiet about nonsense. So we butted heads, such is life.

When I was a kid, it was about knocking on doors in the building in hopes that some of our fellow residents had candy. In my building now, they tell us to put up a sign if we want to participate in Halloween knocking. I never do; I don’t care to entertain kids and their trick-or-treating. Sorry. Growing up, it wasn’t like that; we knocked and you ignored us if you didn’t have candy. LOL.

As we became teenagers, we started to venture out on our own to other buildings, stores, and even other blocks. This is where my memories of Halloween begin. I remember this block called Marcy Place; it was next to ours, but we considered it “off limits” to us. Some of us had friends on that block, and if with them, we were okay to walk to their house, but if alone, it was best avoided.

One year, the block looked quiet, so we got creative and went into one of the stores there. The store wasn’t right on the corner, so we had to walk in about halfway. Well, there were a few people hiding and waiting. As soon as we got our candy and came out, they approached us. That day I had my mask stolen, as well as my candy. I also ended up with a lump on my head. I tried to fight back, but they were tough and made quick work of me. Where I come from, some people take what they want from those who are weaker. That night, I was the weaker one.

That experience stuck with me in a real way. It’s part of the reason I believe in being prepared. Some of you know I keep food and emergency supplies on hand for situations like what we saw during Hurricane Sandy. The way I see it, being prepared means being able to protect what you’ve worked hard to put together. Without the ability to defend yourself and your home, those preparations don’t mean much. I take that responsibility seriously and make sure I’m equipped to handle whatever comes my way lawfully and responsibly.

I’d enjoy going to a Halloween party or even a themed Zumba class, but since I didn’t realize Halloween fell on a Wednesday, I didn’t market or promote that. I’m still considering wearing my tutu tonight, but we’ll see what happens.