The closing of Phillips Crabhouse seems so surreal because it launched me into independence after graduating high school. I was kicked out at age 15 and became resourceful quick, learning that the restaurant industry was a lucrative business and when living at the beach was an option, I jumped on it. I was so different back then but I am grateful that I was given shelter and friends through employment at a local legacy on 21st street. What other institution would put you up in living quarters and offer employee meals? It was the first job I had that earned me enough income to live off of throughout the rest of the year. It got me through my first year at college because I had the ocean and returning friends to look forward to returning too. I brought home $12,000 my first summer, $7,000 my second and by my third had become really good at spending my earnings so I left that year with a meager $5,000 in my pocket. I stayed in the food service for 26 years as a backdrop to businesses, through my divorce and moving across state lines. Many might assume that serving is a less-than life, but it stabilized my transition periods that I am forever grateful for. The flexibility to live in freedom started when I was young and Phillips set that streak in motion until I retired last June from food service altogether to become the Trauma Counselor I had always hoped my side-hustle would allow me to become. Those times are precious now as I look back and I am grateful for who I became as a result. 93-95