Before the tale of that last morning begins, please allow me to thank you for reading this blog. It was a pleasure to write. I am hopeful that its readers now have a purely Southern view of a place that is anything but Southern.
Sarah's cell phone alarm went off precisely at 2:45, and began blasting the sound of a naying horse or mule throughout the relative quiet of her apartment. Debbie and I made every effort to be as quiet as possible so as to not wake Sarah and her roomie before it was absolutely necessary.
Within no time, we were on the curb, getting our last group hug and kisses, and hailing our final cab ride. In just a matter of minutes, one cabbie came flying down the center of that wide street, cutting off another taxi who had begun slowing to pick us up. Moments after being swept into his warm cab, and our luggage was crammed into his car's trunk, we were off!
With far fewer cars on the streets, the trip to LaGuardia was a breeze. This cabbie was far less personable than the one we had on the way in. He drove really fast, took a shorter route to LaGuardia than I expected, and had us to Ticketing/Departures in less than a half hour.
Airport security was also no big deal. Still, no TSA "groping" of any kind. The media really does over-blow most everything.
We were at the gate before you could say "scat," and awaiting take-off. Following a few little technical snafu's with the plane after we were loaded and taxiing, we finally left for the ATL one full hour later than scheduled. We're still undecided about flying American Eagle again in the future.
On the plane ride home, I sat, deeply in thought, and in retrospect of what we had experienced in NYC.
New York is everything its legend bespeaks, and more. The pace is fast, the streets crowded, and the sights are magnificent. After three trips there, I am thankful I got to see it for myself more than once in this life.
The Christmas lights and decorations were extraordinary. I don't think I have ever seen a prettier place than NYC at Christmas time. It brought back many good memories of a downtown Atlanta from yesteryear - with its renowned Rich's Department Store Christmas Tree, the Pink Pig, and so many other attractions. NYC is a place like no other at Christmas. My wish would be for everyone to see it during this time of year.
I don't think I have ever seen so many Jewish people in my life. Menorahs were everywhere. I surmised that this is one of the reasons why Muslim folks hate NYC so much, and have attacked it more than once.
Buildings in NYC run the gamut. A lot of them are old, vintage buildings, that have been refurbished over time. This was extremely good to see. It reflects a history and character to NYC that is fairly unique in big, American cities. NYC seems to "get it" that a city/town/ municipality doesn't have to tear down a structurally sound building just to build something new every half-century. As an old relic of over fifty years, myself, I am glad to see that somebody knows the value of this.
I was encouraged to see the church of my Lord in NYC. There are faithful saints there who endeavor to take the simple Gospel of Christ, and the message of the one church to this enormous metropolis. I hope and pray for their continued diligence and steadfastness. If Paul had lived today, he would likely have spent some time in places like NYC. I am thankful that other brethren are doing in large cities, such as NYC, what Paul did in Athens, Corinth, and Rome.
Mostly, as Debbie and I flew through the skies toward our Georgia home, I was thankful and prayerful for my daughter.
At the risk of sounding overly proud as a daddy, I see in my eldest a great courage and determination to live, "her dream." Because of her strength and fortitude, she has seen and done many things that others only dream about. I hope she will always have the courage to do what she truly believes God wants her to do. And, I hope He continues opening doors for her, that she may do even bigger and better things for Him in the future.
I don't know if I will ever make it back to NYC. I hope so. But, next time, the Lord willing, it will be during the Spring or early Summer. And, ladies, next time there will be more music-related sightseeing. I am told that I should have seen the Iridium, plus a few other music venues. These WILL be on our itinerary for next time.
In the meantime, since my flesh and blood and DNA are there, every time NYC's heart beats, so will mine. All you mama's and daddy's out there will certainly understand that sentiment.
I prayed on the way home, as I always do, that my Father would keep His child safe in that monstrous place. And, it is my hope that somewhere in the far reaches of that, "daughter heart," there still burns a small fire of passion for the South, her home, and most of all, her family.
The old song says, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco." Somebody ought to write something similar about NYC. Maybe I will - for, that is where one old Georgia boy's heart surely is.
Love you, Sis, and thank you for allowing your parents to invade your home and intrude on your NYC life for a few days.
You gave us a lot of wonderful things to remember.
But then, you've been doing that since 1982.
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