New York City

"The City seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and beauty in the world."

(F. Scott Fitzgerald)

My first glimpse of NYC may not have been from the Queensboro Bridge,  but it held all the magic of stepping off a train, and walking into Grand Central Station for the very first time. We arrived just as everyone was getting off work on a Friday evening, so we hoisted our bags and pushed our way through the streets. The lights were beginning to come on all around us, and those first few blocks of walking were spent craning my neck to look up, attempting to not knock someone over with my backpack, and trying not to lose him. We were staying with friends, and so had to walk through Midtown to get to our destination. It was one of the most distracting walks I've done in awhile ... behind every corner was a scene that was familiar and yet so unfamiliar ... finally seeing a place that you've only read about, and seen secondhand? Pure magic.

But of course ...  magic tinged with reality! After about 45 minutes we crashed into Starbucks for a quick caffeine jolt, a  minute to put our bags town, and a chance to get our bearings. Tired, hungry and a little overwhelmed, it is amazing what a cup of a coffee can do! Refresehd and ready to go, we hoisted our bags once more and set off for a long weekend exploring the city that never sleeps ...

January

January was settling in for long winter days, pulling out the coziest blankets, and lighting candles in the evening. Trips for lumber and watching as 2x4's became end tables, complete with little imperfections that made it real. Learning patience as that same lumber needed continual sanding, elbow grease and working with the grain, not against it. It was the extra scarf and finally buying a pair of $3 gloves. Trips upstate for new traditions and Christmas tree bonfires. Grocery runs and learning how to stock a freezer ...

It was seeing New York City for the first time. Walking through Grand Central Station, stopping just to feel the movement and swell of hundreds of people rushing by you. Finding a tiny coffee shop tucked next to the dry cleaners. Catching your breath as you realize you just walked past the Empire State Building. It was warm pretzels from street vendors and miles and miles of walking. Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge and stopping to watch the sun set behind the Statue of Liberty. It was being cold and cranky, and being held tight in a hug. The lights of the city skyline coming on bit by bit ... 

It was waiting in eager anticipation at the airport, attempting to spot your five foot three inches mama amongst the passengers. Holding her tight and trying to stop the tears. Saturdays spent over mugs of coffee and after dinner games. Introducing her to Sunday traditions and Italian pastries. Cuddling up in the evenings, not wanting to close our eyes on another day. Watching a mother's love transform an apartment into a home. Mishaps and trips to the emergency room. The kindness of loved ones and nursing staff. Chocolate ice-cream and trying to slow down time. Tears and tight hugs and 'I'll see you soon's ...

It was counting it all joy.