The kids are in bed and I'm just pondering if I will ever visit New York again. I feel lucky to say I have visited New York a couple of times. The first time when I was in 5th grade and my sister was a nanny in Connecticut, we went to see her. I was able to walk through Times Square, stroll the streets of NYC, visit Central Park, ride the subway and see Grand Central Station. But I was in 5th grade....do you know how long ago that was??
I did spend a very short time in New York again at the age of 19 when I went to meet a family I was going to nanny for. They lived in Hastings on Hudson New York and I flew into Newark New Jersey, then met the family I was supposed to nanny for. I was not ready and this experience fell through. I am embarrassed to this day that I didn't just stick it out, but it is what it is and I can't turn back time.
That experience was a growing experience for me, that's for sure. I spent a few days in a house with a really interesting family. They were both psychiatrists (go figure) and they had a celebrity clientele to which I was not allowed to know the names of. Their next door neighbor was Kenny Loggins. They were of Jewish culture but did not believe in God. They were vegetarians too and I was not allowed to bring meat into their home. They had crazy fears of mad cow disease and told me horror stories about it. Now of course none of this was stuff that was bad, but it was the absolute opposite of me for the most part and a huge culture shock. They weren't super friendly and scared me. They also had strange house rules and within a couple days I bolted. 19 year old scared shitless me grabbed a cab, drove through Brooklyn, the Bronx and headed back to Newark. My plane was iced over, then once we were in the air I ended up flying all over the country because of white out conditions. From Newark, NJ to Chicago, Ill to Dallas, TX to Denver, CO to Billings. Then home to face the humiliation and frustration of failure. My family didn't have to say a word, they were so disappointed in me. Sad that I had failed to leave the nest. But to see New York if even for just a few days, was a blessing.
My sisters visit New York on a more regular basis as they really love it there. I think in a past life, us three girls were New Yorkers!
Cooper was supposed to see New York this summer. We had to cancel this trip. Unforeseen bills have hindered our ability to help him finish paying for his trip and he just didn't come up with the money he had hoped to. I am heartbroken for him. He is taking it like a champ and has moved on to the excitement of having $600 in his savings account that was supposed to go toward that trip. I am very thankful that my parents are taking us on this trip to North Carolina this summer, so we have something to look forward to and the kids will fly for their first time! They are most excited about the flying!
But New York, oh New York....how I long to see you again someday. I long to watch a Broadway show, visit the Statue of Liberty, walk the city streets, eat New York pizza and cheesecake.
As Superstorm Sandy hits the East Coast, my thoughts and love go out to New York. We will meet again someday........
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