A New York City Tribute!

As cliché as it sounds, like any t-shirt spiriting the infamous slogan sold by endless vendors on the street corners of New York City…

My parents had traveled to New York City several times in their many journeys throughout their lifetime, but I did not have the opportunity to visit there until I was expecting my youngest child.  My husband’s profession is in finance and he used to travel to New York City more frequently than he does now.  When we were finally able to arrange for me to accompany my husband on a much anticipated business/pleasure trip, I remember waiting for him in the immense courtyards of the Twin Towers feeling that it was surreal to witness the stately presence of these two iconic New York City landmarks!

Like so many events that mark time in history, I think we all remember where we were and what we were doing when we first heard word of the tragic events that took place in New York City on September 11, 2001!  I was at the hospital where I work, prepping to help receive a new baby that was soon to be born that morning by a scheduled caesarean section.  I attended a few other deliveries that day as well, and sadly, it seemed almost as if some of the parents were a little afraid to show the joy they felt as they held their precious babies close while watching some of the news coverage of the horrific events that took place in New York City on that day!  (I suspect that strong, kindred spirits share September 11th birthdays!)  

Like many families, we have taken our children to New York City and enjoyed all the various activities that make going there such a unique experience!  Once while visiting New York, our youngest daughter, Mandi, who was about 17 years old at the time, really wanted us to take a tour of New York University!  Afterwards, Mandi told us that she was going to attend NYU one day!  (As mentioned, I was pregnant with Mandi when I first went to New York, so her love of this amazing city seems to have come innately!)  I’m not sure my husband and I really gave much credence to this statement at the time, and considering the price of tuition, we hoped it was a fleeting dream!

We underestimated the power of Mandi’s determination to fulfill her dream.  She studied exercise physiology as an undergraduate student, and is now working on her PhD at New York University!

New York City has definitely taken on a more personal role in our hearts now that Mandi and her husband, Cole, live there! 

Our son-in-law, Cole, is in his fourth year of medical school at NYU! 

Each time you touch down at JFK National Airport and hear Frank Sinatra singing “New York, New York” on the speakers of the elevator as you go up to your hotel room, you can’t help but be engulfed by the energy that is New York City!  We have been lucky to be able to get acquainted with this great city in a more intimate way since having Mandi and Cole as our personal guides when we visit!

On one of our last trips to New York City, we were able to go with Mandi and Cole to see the memorial pools that occupy the space where the two Twin Towers once stood.  We also saw the construction being done on the Freedom Tower.  The reverent nature of this sacred, historic site is palpable!  You leave with a firmer conviction to try harder at doing your part to make the world a better place!

Our neighbor at the time, had a brother killed when a plane crashed into the Pentagon.   We found his name among the many listed at this beautiful memorial!

The two pictures above were taken by Cole and capture so well the kind and thoughtful consideration that the designers of this amazing memorial took to heart as they created a way to pay tribute to all the loved ones lost on September 11, 2001!

We cherish the opportunity we had to see the memorials at Ground Zero with Mandi and Cole!

I’m always fascinated with what Mandi and Cole are doing while living in New York City, and although they assure me that it isn’t always glamorous, they love living there!

When I asked them to tell me in a sentence or two what they loved most about New York City, this was their responses:

Cole said, “One of the things I love about New York is there’s always something new to experience.  You’ve never seen it all!”

Mandi said,  “I love the fall in New York City!  I love that you can feel the anticipation of the holiday season in the air.  It is the best time to attend the farmer’s markets, and it’s a couple of months worth of perfect temperatures!  Another weather note…I love rain in New York.  I have always loved rainy days, so I appreciate that it rains much more here than it does in Utah.  (However, the snow situation is pitiful compared to Utah!) 

I also love that on a daily basis I have some nice interaction with a stranger.  People perceive New York City as a rushed and impersonal city, but that is a misconception.  I rarely have a day go by that a stranger doesn’t give a nice compliment or help me out in some way.  Finally, of course, I love all the activities in the city.  If you want an adventure, delicious food, or a relaxed evening out, you can make it happen!”

Cole also took this picture of the beautiful New York City skyline and entitled it: “The setting sun on the center of the universe!”  Perfectly stated!

Our thoughts and prayers are with New York City and all of America today!  May we ever be a force for good in the world!

I’d consider it an honor if you shared special memories you have of September 11, 2001, or any neat experiences you’ve had in New York City!

–Mary