what an amazing day it turned out to be! thank you, everyone, for all the wonderful encouragement and support. jmo, i wasn't offended. i'm a timid sort of person. i was nervous about breaking rules and getting kicked out. i didn't want to anything that would jeopardize this privilege. thanks for being sensitive enough to address it.

my day was a complete surprise. this woman made me feel so comfortable. she plunked herself on the floor like it was natural. later i found out that she grew up in this same public housing, had an abusive mom, etc. towards the end of the day, i ventured out with some of details of my life. her son had actually opened up the topic by asking my son about his step brothers. (we used to live with two other boys they called their stepbrothers) anyway, long story short--she was extremely compassionate rather than judgmental. what a relief! today, she invited us to come bowling. we're going to meet at 4. thanks again guys.