The past few months have been rough for them, like they can be for nearly everyone in these difficult times. The economic recovery hasn't yet kicked in, and there are few job openings, so people have to take what they can, even if it isn't the ideal situation.
Tommy used to work on the docks. The union's been on strike and he's down on his luck. It's tough, so tough.
They are fortunate that Gina is working, although her degree in sociology hasn't equipped her for what anyone could call a real career. Don't you wonder what a person who works for a degree in sociology expects will happen after graduation? It's liken there's no real plan or idea of what happens next.
Gina works the diner all day. Working for her man she brings home her pay for love. For love.
I'll say this about Gina: her attitude is marvelous. She says, "We've got to hold on to what we've got. It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not. We've got each other and that's a lot for love. We'll give it a shot."
It made me think about those times years ago when Mrs. Haz and I were starting out. She used to encourage me when things were tough. "We're half way there", she'd say, "livin' on a prayer. Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear, livin' on a prayer."
They needed cash, so Tommy got his six string in hock. Now he's holding in what he used to make it talk so tough, it's tough.
The grils were in the kitchen talking while Tommy and I lit the grill. Later Mrs Haz told me that Gina dreams of running away. When she cries in the night, Tommy whispers, "Baby, it's okay. Someday." And she tells Tommy we've got to hold on to what we've got. It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not, we've got each other and that's a lot for love. We'll give it a shot.
You have to admire that. Life can be tough, am I right? We have all experienced that in one way or another. We've all had to say we're half way there, livin' on a prayer. Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear. Livin' on a prayer. We've got to hold on ready or not. You live for the fight when it's all that you've got. We're half way there; livin' on a prayer. Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear; livin' on a prayer.
They'll be okay, Tommy and Gina. I sense that that they will. And it's good that they live next to Jack and Diane, the other younger couple in the neighborhood. They have so much in common, and their upbeat attitudes are a good thing.
