Commentary

It’s tough to close the Los Angeles Garment & Citizen.

Yet it doesn’t seem so tough when I think about my eldest sister, Mary Frances Sullivan Merwin, who has always been a great inspiration—and will remain so.

Mary Fran has been engaged in a much tougher fight than any economic downturn for more than two years. She has carried on as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, community member and educator every step of the way.

It helps to think of others, even when things don’t go your way.

* * *

My mother, Mary Claire Sullivan, doesn’t know that the Garment & Citizen is closing because she’s deep into Alzheimer’s disease. Sometimes she thinks I am my father, James Patrick Sullivan, Sr., her late husband and companion through a life that brought nine children, many challenges, and a great love story.

It helps to remember, even when others grow forgetful.

* * *

Those nine children my parents brought into the world include my four brothers and four sisters, all of whom are individuals of honor and true members of the pack.

It helps to recall that people are our greatest blessings.

* * *

I recall a difficult time, early in my marriage, when I felt stuck at an unsatisfactory point in my journalism career. My wise and wonderful wife, Lorna, told me to stop worrying.

“If I were as smart as you, I’d feel confident that opportunities will come,” she said.

I tried to be the big fellow, but I probably sounded like a patronizing young husband when I told her: “But honey, you’re just as smart as me.”

Lorna’s eyes twinkled just a bit, the only tip-off she gives the world about her razor-sharp mind. Then she said it: “Actually, I’m smarter than you, but even if I were as smart as you I’d be confident.”

We shared a nice laugh, and hope replaced anxiety.

It helps that Lorna was right, as usual, on both counts.

editor@garmentandcitizen.com

—Jerry Sullivan, Editor & Publisher