A love letter to New York:

Though on the other side of my world, I dreamed of seeing you in person. on a beautiful fall day last October my dream came true.  I stepped foot onto the crowded pavement our first morning together and sensing the feelings of my heart you let down tears of joy! I could feel the drops on my face  adding to how alive my senses felt. I skipped to the theater where Broadway became a reality.  I had seen phantom several times in los Angeles,  but your reputation proved to be true, there is nothing to compare to seeing a show on Broadway. You filled our hearts hearts with romance, while  melodies lingered throughout the day as we sang “that’s all I ask of you”. Watching Carli and Lyndi experience something as transcendent as this masterpiece was one of my favorite moments. The nights were filled with excitement and people, oh the people! I love the people of New York! The bellman from Jersey, the waiters all here for a dream, the two women walking in central park who felt like long time friends, there is a realness and kindness about all of them. I love your crowded streets with people from all over the world. It felt energizing to be around them. And it didn’t hurt, that with some pointing out by my sisters, I was picked up on a few times in times square:).I rode a subway for the first time to places where I saw and felt things different from the city, they were places of reverence and reminders of freedom earned. I love your depth of character with stories untold of human sacrifice.

After miles walked and many sights to see, my sisters and I would plop on the beds at The Palace in the early morning hours and talk as only sisters can. Thank you for the reminders of how very lucky I am to be a sister to these women. Carli impresses me with her consistent journal writing and scripture study. Vacation doesn’t keep her from doing what is most important to her. She can talk to anyone and doesn’t hesitate to do so! Many times I would be following behind her and a new best friend she had made. Lyndi not only  beautified your streets each day with her style and stunning looks, she brought kindness and laughter  from Madison avenue to Rockefeller center. Did you see their many acts of selflessness and service? I did too. While in central park, dinning, shopping or playing you provided memories with them that will forever bring golden light to any of my days that may be dark ahead. So, Thank you New York!…until we meet again

I love you

Marni