Once upon a time--ten years ago to be exact--there was a sweet southern girl who dreamed of moving to New York City. For as long as she could remember she had dreamed of living a big city life in the greatest city on earth, so she worked, worked, worked as hard as she could, hoping that a little southern charm and a lot of blood, sweat and tears might help her reach her goal. As her time in college started to draw to a close, this dream began to take shape, and she realized that she might actually have a chance to make her dream come true....
But then one day she awoke to a strange and unreal sight on television...a devastating, horrible, surreal vision. It didn't look real. This couldn't be right. Why? How could this happen? Tears started to run down her cheeks...Why would someone do this to her future home? The home of millions? The center--as far as she was concerned--of the universe. Her heart broke for her future city and the people affected there and across the country. It was a horrible day that she has never forgotten...that no one will ever forget.
Ten years later, I have been living my dream of a big city life in the greatest city on earth for almost nine years. I have had the incredible and amazing opportunity to watch this city rebuild, grow and become an even greater city, but on this day it is hard not to feel the sadness and fear that I felt--that we all felt--on that day and to ache for the ones who lost their family members, loved ones, friends and neighbors as a result of that treacherous act.
I just wanted to take this moment to thank New York City for being everything that it is. Passionate. Strong. Beautiful. Tough. Resilient. Amazing. For the past nine years, New York has given me more than I could have ever asked for...my dream job, my best friends, my husband, and very soon a son. So in spite of the terrible tragedy that people across this country will spend the day remembering, I can't help but also spend the day thinking of all of the wonderful things that New York is and has become in the past ten years. It is a true testimony to the strength and the courage of not only this city but also our country, and I am forever proud be a citizen of both.
My sincerest and deepest thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who have been affected by the 9/11 tragedies.
xo...
ki
But then one day she awoke to a strange and unreal sight on television...a devastating, horrible, surreal vision. It didn't look real. This couldn't be right. Why? How could this happen? Tears started to run down her cheeks...Why would someone do this to her future home? The home of millions? The center--as far as she was concerned--of the universe. Her heart broke for her future city and the people affected there and across the country. It was a horrible day that she has never forgotten...that no one will ever forget.
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| This painting is by native New Yorker and family friend, Peter O'Neill. It now hangs in the NYC Fire Fighters Museum. Visit his site for more info and a lot beautiful artwork... |
Ten years later, I have been living my dream of a big city life in the greatest city on earth for almost nine years. I have had the incredible and amazing opportunity to watch this city rebuild, grow and become an even greater city, but on this day it is hard not to feel the sadness and fear that I felt--that we all felt--on that day and to ache for the ones who lost their family members, loved ones, friends and neighbors as a result of that treacherous act.
I just wanted to take this moment to thank New York City for being everything that it is. Passionate. Strong. Beautiful. Tough. Resilient. Amazing. For the past nine years, New York has given me more than I could have ever asked for...my dream job, my best friends, my husband, and very soon a son. So in spite of the terrible tragedy that people across this country will spend the day remembering, I can't help but also spend the day thinking of all of the wonderful things that New York is and has become in the past ten years. It is a true testimony to the strength and the courage of not only this city but also our country, and I am forever proud be a citizen of both.
My sincerest and deepest thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who have been affected by the 9/11 tragedies.
xo...
ki
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