Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall stands out to me for a couple of reasons. The main one being that the first time I got to go to new York city was because my sons high school band had been asked to come and play as a part of the halls Spring wind festival. (one of six schools selected so yes, of course, I am a proud momma) In late summer, early fall, we had to dedicate the funds to my sons school to ensure that they could go. At this point, I would have probably sold body parts to science to make sure that he got this experience. (happy to say I still have all my body parts) Then it was a matter of the rest of us going because, to be honest, what mom would want to miss out on this?

So….. we made it happen. My oldest happily traveled with his band group (I was not about to volunteer to chaperone a bunch of teenagers; bless the souls of those who did!) Off to New York we went! I’ve never been so I wanted to see the sights. We got the sights in but on our last day there the news of COVID-19 hit. First reported case. We saw the last show, Riverdance, before broadway went dark. Surreal doesn’t capture what we felt.

But COVID isn’t what I took away from this trip and I hope it doesn’t for my family. I hope looking at the 9/11 memorial is what stands out. I hope that playing at Carnegie hall stands out. We were lucky to come back safe; we did take precautions. Feeling the warm tears trickle down my face as I watched my son play at Carnegie Hall will be a memory I never will forget. It is insane to think that it came right before the craziness happened.

Other memories that I will not forget is my youngest standing in front of the Survivor tree. Due to the pandemic that was happening, I feel as if it was more quiet than normal. As shown below (ok or not as wordpress isn’t letting me post any pictures) , I got a clear shot of my son standing in front of the tree. His sense of awe is not something I can convey. It took my breath away. The other moment that took me away was standing next to the reflection pools. White roses stuck in the names of those who died that day were representative that it would’ve been their birthday. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t cause tears. I cried for families I don’t know but truly honor the devastation that day made. I know this comes a day late for that tragic day but I hope that it makes others realize 9/11 isn’t forgotten.

To be honest, I wish I had a more meaningful reason for this post. But I guess all I can end with is this: we got lucky in our timing and I will never regret it. Ever. So live life to the best you can. (right now definitely with precautions.) And all those memories you have, look back on them with fondness and share them. Because sharing stories is how our lives play on. To quote something I’ve been watching lately “Who will tell your story?” Hamilton.