Tuesday, March 22, 2016

A Letter to New York

I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?


- From Disney's Aladdin


Dear New York City,

My Beloved. It has been nearly 15 years since you swept me off my feet. You unveiled to me riches I had only dreamed of: mountains of the most exquisite art, the finest food in the word, an array of people such as I had never seen, evening after day after evening of fresh, new, excitement. Even with my small teacher's salary, you welcomed me wholeheartedly and showed me that you have something to offer everyone, anyone.

I left you, a few years ago but only briefly. I was desperately sad when I said goodbye and went to Sydney, because, you see, I wasn't sure I would ever come back to you. But I should have known - your pull would prove too strong to resist for long.

So I came back, now a married woman, and I started a family under your wing. I never in a million years intended to raise children in New York City. But you are my home. Our home. I can see my children's future here - one filled with opportunity, promise, choice, excellence, and love.

Lately, though, I've been having a few misgivings. You see, you are very, very crowded. And to provide my family with the things I would like to provide them, you are not cheap. Also, though I refuse to live in fear and instead live proudly within your borders, you often come under threat.

Please know I have no plans to leave you anytime soon. I just wanted to let you know that I will always love you, even if I sometimes think about leaving you. And even if my husband and I have mentioned the idea more and more often lately.

But above all, I thank you. Thank you for making me into the adult that I am.

Your Grateful Tenant,

Anna

8 comments:

  1. My husband is going to New York tomorrow. You know what? I have never been, but it is on my big list of things I want to do.

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  2. So glad you have had an amazing life in New York. There are so many opportunities that only NY can offer- enjoy raising your family there!

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  3. So glad you have had an amazing life in New York. There are so many opportunities that only NY can offer- enjoy raising your family there!

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  4. My favorite city - I find that I can't ever stay away too long.

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  5. I love how you personify NYC and that it eventually pulled you in. Like all relationships, there are pro's and con's. Even if you leave, NYC will always be in your heart, just like a friend

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  6. Your feelings really come through in this letter, Anna. Glad you found such a wonderful home in NYC. My son has been there for about 10 years and loves it. I tell him he's a New Yorker now.

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  7. My sister raised two kids in NYC - never left. You can do it! I lived there for three years -- there is nothing like it.
    Clare

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  8. As a lifelong New Yorker (who now reluctantly resides in New Jersey) I loved this post! There's no city like it in the world!

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